This is real talk for authors, relatable to where they are in their journey and to our journey as self-published authors. We talk about our experiences and have guest chats with experts and other authors about their experiences.
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The "Elephant in the Org" podcast is a daring dive into the unspoken challenges and opportunities in organizational development, particularly in the realm of employee experience. Hosted by the team at The Fearless PX, we tackle the "elephants" in the room—those taboo or ignored topics—that are critical for creating psychologically safe and highly effective workplaces.
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Episode 22: The Realities of Police Work in Fiction with Guest Patrick O’Donnell
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56:23In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell interview Patrick O'Donnell, a former police sergeant turned author, about his journey from law enforcement to writing crime novels. Patrick shares insights on the realities of police work, common misconceptions in crime fiction, and the importance of research for writers. He discusses the challenges f…
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Burnout, Breakdown, and a Big F*ck You to the Corporate Cult with Deb Haas
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1:04:54Send us a text Deb Haas spent 24 years in corporate HR before getting laid off — and finally getting free. Now, she’s helping others reimagine work for the AI era with transparency, humor, and zero tolerance for business as usual. In this episode: – The psychological toll of layoffs – Late-stage capitalism & the myth of the “dream job” – Why Gen Z …
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Episode 021 – Choosing the Right Editor w/ Guest Alice Sudlow
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54:23In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discuss the intricacies of editing with Alice Sudlow, a developmental editor and book coach. They explore how writers can find the right editor, the importance of understanding one's own values and needs, and the various communication styles that can impact the editing process. The conversation also de…
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Episode 020 Navigating Your Author Journey: Finding the Right Professionals
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42:56In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discuss the challenges of finding the right professionals to support writers on their journey. They share insights on the importance of joining writer's groups, researching testimonials, and the role of self-esteem in the hiring process. The conversation covers various aspects of the writing process, i…
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We Look Inclusive. We Just Don’t Act Like It. with Dr. Angela Young
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53:54Send us a text Let’s talk about the difference between looking inclusive — and actually being inclusive. In this powerful episode, Marion and Danny are joined by Dr. Angela Young, a bold advocate for digital accessibility, to break down the emotional labor, internalized ableism, and corporate gaslighting that so many disabled, neurodivergent, and n…
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Episode 019 The Power of Personality Tests for Writers
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38:24In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the importance of understanding oneself through personality tests like Clifton Strengths, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram. They explore how these tests can aid in the writing process, character development, and collaboration with others. The conversation emphasizes the value of self-awareness i…
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Episode 018 Crafting Love Stories with Guest Paula Judith Johnson
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53:29In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell dive deep into the world of romance writing with award-winning author Paula Judith Johnson. They explore the journey of becoming a romance author, the importance of character development, and the nuances of writing historical romance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of writing intimate …
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Data: Great for Marketing Plans, Terrifying for Fragile C-Suite Egos with Angelique Slob
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50:53Send us a text Leaders love to claim they're "data-driven" — right up until the numbers challenge their egos. In this episode, Marion, Cacha, and Danny sit down with Future of Work strategist Angelique Slob to dig into why industrial-era mindsets still dominate modern workplaces, why ignoring internal data is costing organizations dearly, and how r…
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Episode 017 Navigating The Challenges of Book Two in A Series
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53:39In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the intricacies of writing a second book in a series with bestselling author Suzy Vadori. They explore the challenges authors face when transitioning from the first to the second book, including reader expectations, the importance of recaps, and the need for fresh content. Suzy shares her insig…
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Episode 016 Choosing The Right Point of View
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32:06In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell delve into the intricacies of point of view in writing. They discuss various perspectives, including first, second, and third person, and the implications of head hopping. The conversation also touches on genre expectations, reader engagement, and personal writing challenges, providing insights for bot…
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Your CEO Might Be a Narcissist… But Don’t Panic (Yet!) with Danny Wareham
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59:07Send us a text We’re going dark… but in a totally self-aware, psychologically fascinating kind of way. This week on The Elephant in the Org, we’re diving into the Dark Triad — narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism — and how these personality traits show up in leadership. Our guest, the brilliant Danny Wareham (organisational psychologist, c…
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Episode 015 The Prescription for Better Dialogue with Jeff Elkins
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55:29In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discuss the craft of writing with Jeff Elkins, an award-winning author and dialogue coach. They explore common mistakes authors make in dialogue writing, the balance between prose and dialogue, and how to manage large cast conversations. Jeff shares insights on writing for short stories versus novels, …
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Episode 014 Craft Fair Kickoff: Exploring Writing Resources
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30:40In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas kick off Craft Fair Month by discussing their favorite resources for improving writing craft. They explore various tools and books that have inspired them, delve into character development and world-building techniques, and share personal writing processes. The conversation also touches on current proj…
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The Spy Who Slacked Me: Slack Honeypots, Turf Wars, and the HR Tech Hunger Games
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45:28Send us a text 🎧 Special Edition – Oh Shit, What’s Happened Now? This is one of those moments when we pause our scheduled programming because something in the news is just too wild to ignore. In this special edition of The Elephant in the Org, we dive headfirst into the explosive lawsuit between HR tech giants Rippling and Deel — featuring Slack ho…
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Episode 013 Mastering List Building for Authors with Amy Vansant
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38:12In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the intricacies of list building and marketing strategies for authors with guest Amy Van Sant. They explore the importance of email lists, effective engagement techniques, and the challenges of managing multiple genres. Amy shares her insights on choosing the right mailing clients, automating p…
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Episode 012 Marketing During Strange Times
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16:49In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the challenges and strategies for marketing as indie authors during uncertain times. They explore the impact of boycotts on small businesses, the importance of strategic planning, and the need for flexibility in marketing approaches. The conversation also touches on personal updates regarding t…
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The Fakecation Crisis: Why We Suck at Taking Time Off
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37:44Send us a text Ever come back from a vacation feeling like you need… another vacation? Welcome to the Fakecation Crisis—where we take time off but somehow end up just as exhausted (or more) than before. In this episode, Marion, Cacha, and Danny rank different types of time off based on how rejuvenating (or soul-sucking) they actually are. From all-…
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Episode 011 Mastering Social Media Marketing with Guest Jenn DePaula
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53:14In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discuss social media marketing with expert Jenn DePaula. They explore common myths about social media for authors, the importance of messaging, and mindset shifts needed for effective marketing. Jenn shares strategies for both new and established authors, emphasizing the significance of community and c…
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Episode 010 The Marketing Monster: Love It Or Hate It?
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22:13In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas delve into the complexities and challenges of marketing for indie authors. They discuss the emotional toll of marketing, share personal experiences, and explore strategies for building an audience while balancing production and marketing efforts. The conversation highlights the importance of mindset, l…
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Strong, Silent, and Suffering: Miscarriage, Motherhood, and the Workplace with Ashley Kera
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59:04Send us a text Pregnancy loss, infertility, and the challenges of motherhood remain some of the biggest workplace taboos—until now. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, co-hosts Marion, Cacha, and Danny sit down with Ashley Kera to break the silence around miscarriage, the emotional toll of pregnancy in the workplace, and the impossible ba…
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Burnout Isn’t a Personal Failure – It’s a Systemic Sh*tshow with Cassandra Babilya
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1:00:18Send us a text Burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s a systemic problem. Ever been told to do more with less? Yeah, us too. And we’re calling bullshit. In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha sit down with the one and only Cassandra Babilya, creator of Make Work Suck Less, career coach, employee experience leader, and o…
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Episode 009 Finding Your Writing Community
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41:27In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the importance of building a supportive community for writers, featuring guest KS Barton. They explore the journey of finding one's writing voice, the significance of critique groups, and how to navigate online writing communities. The conversation emphasizes the value of constructive feedback,…
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Episode 008 - Conference key learnings & take aways
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36:29In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss their experiences at the Superstars Writing Conference, focusing on networking, energy management, and the importance of career counseling. They share insights on how to effectively pitch your work, navigate conflicting advice, and build meaningful connections with other authors. The conversati…
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Episode 007 At Superstars Writing Seminars - Chatting Live
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21:02In this conversation, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discusses the importance of attending writing conferences with various guests; Heather Jones (aka Jen Fier), David Chenoweth, Jennifer Brinn, Jennifer Rose, Jason Hamilton, and Lyn Worthing. They share their experiences, insights, and the value of networking within the writing community. The discu…
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Disability Isn’t the Problem - Your Workplace Is with Lia Seth
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59:38Send us a text If your workplace isn’t actively inclusive, it’s actively exclusive. In this episode, we’re calling out the ableism hiding in your workplace—from HR’s internalized biases to managers who don’t know what they don’t know to “inclusion” efforts that are all show, no substance. 🔥 What’s Inside: ✔️ The jaw-dropping story of a manager who …
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Episode 006 - The Power of Connections at Conferences with guest Herman Steuernagel
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49:56In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the importance of networking and building community through conferences with guest Herman Steuernagel. They explore tips for introverted writers, the evolution of goals when attending conferences, and the significance of making connections. The conversation also covers self-care strategies, the…
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Episode 005 Showing Up For Yourself Even When It's Hard with Racquel Henry
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41:08In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas engage in a deep conversation with Racquel Henry about the significance of mindset in the writing process. Racquel shares her journey as a writer and editor, emphasizing the importance of showing up for oneself, the concept of 'touching' projects daily, and the challenges of balancing multiple writing …
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Episode 004 Mastering Balance in the Writer's Life
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39:05In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the challenges of maintaining balance in a writer's life while finding inspiration. They share personal experiences and strategies for managing time, setting priorities, and utilizing tools to enhance productivity. The conversation also touches on the importance of recharging to avoid burnout a…
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Episode 003 How to Recognize and Overcome Burnout with Holly Lyne
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41:36In this episode, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discuss the challenges of burnout in the writing community with guest Holly Line. They explore personal definitions of burnout, share experiences, and discuss the importance of recognizing symptoms and taking breaks. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, the pressure of self-imposed…
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What the Actual Zuck? Meta, Masculinity, and the DEI Backlash
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45:52Send us a text Mark Zuckerberg is back in the headlines—this time for claiming that workplaces need more "masculine energy"and blaming Sheryl Sandberg for Meta’s past DEI initiatives. But is this just another case of tech bro nonsense, or is there a bigger political and corporate strategy at play? In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, …
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In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas delve into the theme of self-doubt, particularly in the context of writing and publishing. They share personal experiences with self-doubt, discuss how it can manifest in creative pursuits, and explore strategies for managing it. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trusting one's voice, the r…
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In the inaugural episode of the Author Next Door podcast, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas introduce themselves and share their backgrounds in writing and retail. They discuss their motivations for starting the podcast, the goals they have for 2025, and strategies for achieving those goals. The episode also features a fun table talk segment wher…
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Disruption with a Cause - The Leadership Skill of Harnessing Dissent
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42:06Send us a text In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha take on a leadership game-changer: how to transform dissent from a workplace disruption into a strategic driver of progress. The hosts explore why embracing rebels and fostering a culture of constructive dissent is critical for organizations to innovate, adapt, and …
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2024: The Year of Hybrid Headaches and DEI Disasters
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58:09
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58:09Send us a text From hybrid work hiccups to the turbulence in DEI initiatives, 2024 has been a whirlwind for HR and workplace culture. In this special year-end wrap-up of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha reflect on the defining “elephants” of the year. We’re diving into the challenges that shaped the workplace, sharing key lessons f…
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Psychological Safety or Bust: Why Companies Keep Getting Wellness Totally Wrong
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45:29Send us a text Employee wellness programs are everywhere, but are they actually making a difference? In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha tackle the big questions about workplace wellness. From flashy perks and meditation apps to the critical need for psychological safety, we’re breaking down why so many wellness ini…
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Gratitude in the Workplace: All Fur Coat and No Knickers? - The Thanksgiving Special!
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45:28Send us a text Happy Thanksgiving! This week, we’re serving up a hearty helping of gratitude—but is it heartfelt or just for show? In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha carve into the complex world of workplace thankfulness. Are annual "thank-you" emails and pizza parties really enough? Or are the…
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Is ‘Work Family’ Just Corporate Love-Bombing in Disguise?
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33:51Send us a text In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, we’re tackling the controversial “work family” narrative. Is calling your workplace a family a sign of authentic connection, or is it just another way to blur boundaries and exploit loyalty? Join Danny, Marion, and Cacha as they explore: The red flags behind the "work family" narrative. Why…
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Elephants, Elections, and Office Anxiety – Oh My!
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43:45Send us a text Election season is upon us, and it’s not just your social media feed that’s feeling the heat—your workplace is, too. In this episode of *The Elephant in the Org*, hosts Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora tackle the tension that creeps into offices during politically charged times. From navigating differing opinions at work …
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Caught in the Crossfire: Middle Managers vs. The C-Suite Disconnect
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41:25Send us a text In this explosive episode, Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora dive deep into the turbulent world of middle management. Inspired by the recent MSN article "Being a middle manager is getting increasingly toxic," our hosts explore whether it's the hardest it's ever been for those caught between the C-suite and the frontlines. …
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Dopamine Dealers: The Case for Professional Playfulness
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52:16Send us a text We are back! Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 of "The Elephant in the Org"! Danny, Cacha, and Marion are thrilled to kick off a new season, bringing you fresh insights into workplace dynamics and organizational culture. While Marion is on assignment for this episode, Danny and Cacha are excited to welcome a very special guest: Acey Hol…
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Oh Shit, What Happened Now? Bonus Episode: "Alexa, Define 'Workplace Flexibility'... Amazon Style"
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23:40Send us a text Amazon's return-to-office mandate (sort-of) shocks the tech industry! Join The Elephant in the Org for a pre-season special as your favorite Fearless PX trio, Danny, Marion, and Cacha, analyze this game-changing decision. Is Amazon redefining workplace flexibility or taking a step backward? We're dissecting this 5-day in-office requi…
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From Burnout to Breakthrough: Our Season 1 Wrap-up
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22:14Send us a text As we close the chapter on Season 1 of The Elephant in the Org, join hosts Marion, Cacha, and Danny for a heartfelt reflection on our journey so far. In this special finale episode, we look back at the highs, the laughs, and the eye-opening moments that have shaped our podcast. We'll reminisce about our favorite guests, from Jessica …
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Bonus Episode - Oh Shit What's Happened Now? SHRM Drops the E Bomb!
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22:55Send us a text In an unexpected turn of events, SHRM has set the HR world ablaze with its shocking announcement to remove "equity" from its DEI acronym. As the HR community erupts in a chorus of disbelief and disappointment, we couldn't resist sharing our thoughts. Join our Fearless PX trio Danny, Cacha, and Marion as they unpack this bombshell dec…
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From Quiet Quitting to Stealth Sunbathing: The Evolution of Workplace Rebellion
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48:57Send us a text In this eye-opening episode of The Elephant in the Org, hosts Marion, Cacha, and Danny tackle the latest trend in workplace rebellion: quiet vacationing. Inspired by a recent Korn Ferry article, our hosts dive deep into this stealthy practice where employees take time off without explicitly informing their employers. Are your zoom ba…
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The Swinging Pendulum: Moving Beyond Polarities in Organizational Culture with Jim D'Angelo.
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50:26Send us a text In this insightful episode of the Elephant in the Org Podcast, Jim D'Angelo, Founder of Heartwired, joins hosts Marion Anderson, Danny Gluch, and Cacha Dora to explore the intricate balance between inclusion and exclusion in the workplace. The discussion centers around "Compassionate Excellence," which emphasizes caring for people wh…
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The Feedback Failure: Why Most Companies Suck at Performance Conversations with Greer Procich
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50:08Send us a text Are your performance conversations falling flat? You're not alone. In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, hosts Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora are joined by special guest Greer Procich to explore why most companies struggle with effective performance management and continuous feedback. Discover the key barriers hol…
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Friendship Famine: The Declining State of Work Besties
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33:47Send us a text Are your work friendships fading away? You're not alone. In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, hosts Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora dive into the declining state of work besties and its impact on employee engagement, happiness, and retention. Inspired by a recent Korn Ferry article, they explore the factors contri…
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The Innovation Paradox: Why Job Security Matters
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24:51Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode of The Elephant in the Org, hosts Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora tackle the innovation paradox: why job security is the key to unlocking your organization's creative potential. Brace yourself for a lively discussion that explores the surprising link between psychological safety, job sec…
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Do L&D Folks Really Know Anything At All? With Ruth Crick & Jim Bentley
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58:03Send us a text Welcome to "The Elephant in the Org," where today's episode, "Do L&D Folks Really Know Anything at All?" promises to turn the tables on traditional learning and development (L&D) perspectives. Our hosts Marion, Danny, and Cacha are thrilled to host Ruth Crick and Jim Bentley, the dynamic duo behind Wild Learning. They're here to diss…
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Hire Today, Gone Tomorrow: Navigating the Disposable Work Era
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33:40Send us a text In this eye-opening episode of "The Elephant in the Org," titled "Hire Today, Gone Tomorrow: Navigating the Disposable Work Era," our fearless hosts Marion, Cacha, and Danny dive deep into the precarious nature of modern employment. The FPX trio embarks on a candid exploration of the layoff culture that's come to define the current j…
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