Scaling Smart: Leading Effectively When You Have 50+ Direct Reports 7 | 10 Radical Candor: Communication At Work podcast

45:54

Ever tried giving someone feedback about their tone…without sounding like the tone police? This episode was sparked by a listener wrestling with just that—and let’s be real, it’s something we’ve all tripped over. Join Kim and Jason as they dive into the messy, nuanced world of tone: why it matters, how to talk about it without getting judgmental, and what to do when someone’s words are technically fine but their delivery leaves the room on edge. Using the CORE framework—Context, Observation, Result, and Expected next steps—they break down how to be specific about what happened, how it landed, and how to move forward without sounding accusatory or vague. Tune in to hear Kim and Jason unpack real-life examples, share the coaching that worked (and what didn’t), and explore how bias, culture, and identity play into how tone is received. Bonus: Kim gets personal about a recent experience that reminded her why kindness and courage matter—on and off the mic. Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RadicalCandor.com/podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Episode Links Transcript The Evil Translator & The Fundamental Attribution Error | Radical Candor Podcast 7 | 21 How To Measure Feedback | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 41 The Word Police | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 25 The Importance Of Communication In The Workplace | Radical Candor 8 Ways To Fix Communication Issues In The Workplace | Radical Candor Are You Giving Biased Feedback? 5 Ways To Overcome Protective Hesitation | Radical Candor How To Give Candid Feedback With the Radical Candor CORE Method Radical Candor Community: CORE Course Radical Respect Newsletter Textio Connect: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Jason introduce a listener’s question about addressing tone with CORE. (00:02:51) When “Technically Fine” Still Feels Off How misinterpretations and sensitivities around tone impact teams. (00:03:54) Observing vs. Interpreting Tone Avoiding misattributions by observing, not just interpreting. (00:06:39) Shifting from “You Statements” to “I Statements” Using reactions to provide grounded, less judgmental feedback. (00:07:30) Using Impact to Shift Perspective How describing the impact of tone keeps the conversation constructive. (00:08:51) Coaching Through Goals, Not Emotions A story about using feedback to overcome sounding arrogant. (00:11:42) Reframing CORE to Match Your Audience Using CORE to focus on tangible outcomes, not just feelings. (00:13:57) What Not to Do: Avoiding Coded Language The biased undertones certain words like "shrill" or "aggressive" carry. (00:16:22) Be Specific: Volume, Pace, Tension Being specific when giving feedback about tone delivery. (00:18:00) Extending Grace Giving the benefit of the doubt when something lands poorly. (00:20:10) Praise When They Get It Right The positive impact of giving feedback when tone lands well . (00:22:03) Handling Tone in Public Meetings When to react in real time and when it’s better to follow up privately. (00:24:16) Breaking the False Harmony in the Room A story about addressing passive-aggressive tension in a meeting. (00:27:43) Private Inquiry or Public Repair A story about how Google’s CEO gracefully handled a tone misstep. (00:29:41) Radical Candor Tips Practical tips on how to give feedback on tone. (00:31:27) ICE Deportation & Bearing Witness A story about a beloved community member deported by ICE. (00:34:25) The Danger of Secret Cruelty The dehumanization of silent suffering and concealed harm. (00:37:05) This Isn’t a One-Off: It’s Systemic Broader systemic issues and how routine cruelty has become normalized. (00:39:49) There’s Still Hope: Do the Right Thing The Radical Candor mission to care personally and challenge directly. (00:41:16) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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Becoming a Not-So-Secretly Candid Leader with Chloé van Bergen 7 | 24 46:52

8 days ago46:52

46:52

Fun fact: this episode exists thanks to a few pints and a little Radical Candor in the wild. Our audio engineer Nick met today’s guest, Chloé van Bergen, VP of Operations at Secretly Group, at his brother’s stag do. One loud London pub and an honest conversation later—we knew we had to get her on the show. Join Kim and Amy for a candid conversation with Chloé about what it really takes to lead change inside a legacy-driven music company. She gets real about navigating unionization, confronting indifference, and learning—sometimes the hard way—that being “nice” isn’t the same as being kind. From UK-style politeness to Dutch directness, Chloé shares what worked (and what didn’t) when rolling out Radical Candor across continents. Spoiler: no sugarcoating here — just straight up kind and clear. Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Episode Links: Transcript⁠⁠ Chloé van Bergen | LinkedIn Nick Carissimi Secretly Group Secretly Canadian | Info Granny Alice Avoid The Feedback Sandwich | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 15 Toxic Positivity | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 27 Navigating Radical Candor and Cultural Differences How To Navigate Feedback Conversations On Diverse Teams | Radical Candor Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect | Will Guidara Scaling People: Tactics for Management and Company Building | Claire Hughes Johnson Pivot: Eight Principles for Transforming your Business in a Time of Disruption | Will Page Secretly Group: Workers at Indie-Music Company Begin Efforts to Unionize | Rolling Stone Secretly Group Union Earns Contract In Major Milestone for Indie Music Organizing | Rolling Stone Connect: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Amy introduce Chloé van Bergen, VP of Operations at Secretly Group. (00:01:04) From Stag Do to Podcast Guest How a chance meeting at a UK pub led to Chloé joining the show. (00:05:25) What Is Secretly Group? The structure, history, and collaborative ethos of Secretly Group. (00:09:05) Discovering Radical Candor Being introduced to Radical Candor and the mindset shift it inspired. (00:10:42) Struggling with Direct Feedback Using Radical Candor to move past the fear of being too blunt. (00:12:43) Giving Feedback Across Borders Navigating cultural differences in feedback styles across countries. (00:17:25) Practicing Vulnerability Through Action Building confidence by starting to speak up, one moment at a time. (00:20:07) Pandemic Leadership & Operational Overhaul Navigating starting during COVID and legacy infrastructures. (00:25:13) Rockstar vs. Superstar: Rethinking Growth Learning not everyone wants to climb—some excel where they are. (00:29:50) Unionization During COVID How a union announcement led to a company-wide listening reset. (00:34:57) Adapting to AI & Industry Shifts Staying open by staying honest—even without having all the answers. (00:36:28) Kind ≠ Nice: Facing Hard Truths How kindness isn’t niceness—and can slow down change. (00:39:33) Chloé’s Radical Candor Tip Having the courage to say the thing, even if it feels uncomfortable. (00:42:46) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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What Real Inclusion Looks Like at Work When You’re LGBTQ+ 7 | 23 1:00:56

15 days ago1:00:56

1:00:56

We’re celebrating Pride Month, and to kick us off, Amy and Brandi get real about the unfiltered, often uncomfortable truth of being LGBTQ+ in the workplace—where invisibility can feel safer than honesty, and “inclusion” doesn’t always include you. In this 'best of' episode, they unpack the messy layers of LGBTQ+ identity at work—from pronoun politics and people-pleasing to being “the only one” in the room. If you’ve ever felt unseen at work—or want to ensure your team doesn’t have to—this one’s for you. Showing up matters more than getting it perfect. Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠ RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Episode Links: Transcript Radically Candid Pride: Coming Out at Work Coming Out – Human Rights Campaign 7 Myths About Coming Out at Work Coming Out at Work Pride Month Shows Employers Have a Long Way to Go Supporting LGBTQ+ Workers’ Mental Health Beyond rainbow washing: Supporting LGBTQ+ at work and beyond How to support the LGBTQ+ community at work and beyond What Not To Say to Someone Who Has Come Out As Bisexual Coming out at work: transgender scientists share their stories Nearly half of LGBTQ employees in the US think being “out” at work is a bad career move Why Bisexual Adults Report Higher Rates of Mental Distress – The New York Times The 10 Most Groundbreaking Bisexual Characters of All Time Your Guide to the Best Online LGBTQ+ Counseling Options in 2023 Read the ‘Yep, I’m Gay’ Ellen DeGeneres Interview From 1997 Attitude: As Bisexual Awareness Week approaches, four bisexuals tell us if they feel accepted in 2023 Connect: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Amy introduce the episode focusing on coming out at work. (00:01:42) Why Representation Matters Statistics on workplace discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ employees. (00:05:22) Pronouns, Labels & Personal Identity The limiting nature of pronouns and labelling oneself. (00:09:52) Living a Double Life Dating secretly and the sense of being "othered" in mainstream culture. (00:13:06) The Limited Supply The isolation created by the absence of a visible queer community. (00:17:37) The Spiritual Journey & Other Closets How the act of coming out led to a deeper exploration of spirituality. (00:19:37) The Cost of Hiding at Work The emotional and psychological toll of being closeted in the workplace. (00:21:04) Finally Coming Out at Work The slow, iterative process of coming out and how Radical Candor helped. (00:23:21) The Bisexual Experience at Work The unique stigmas bisexuals face within and outside LGBTQ+ spaces. (00:28:15) Words, Labels & Inner Homophobia The complexity of identity labels and how internalized bias can shape them. (00:32:37) The Power of Representation in Media The importance of media characters who normalize LGBTQ+. (00:36:26) Inclusion & the Privilege of Presentation Soliciting inclusive feedback and how privilege shapes perceptions. (00:40:21) Hair as Identity & Microaggressions A painful but powerful story about being judged for appearances. (00:43:40) Being the Only One in the Room The exhaustion of being the sole representative of marginalized identities. (00:46:30) Making Mistakes & Owning Them The role of feedback and straight allies in creating inclusive spaces. (00:49:43) What Allies Can Do A story about support when encountering a homophobic comment. (00:52:03) Setting Boundaries The importance of respecting privacy and rejecting invasive curiosity (00:54:29) Radical Candor Tips Key takeaways on supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues (00:58:12) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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Leading Through Chaos With Stephanie Chung 7 | 22 51:57

22 days ago51:57

51:57

Leadership sounds empowering—until you're navigating chaos, clunky systems, and a team giving you major side-eye. Amy and Kim talk with Stephanie Chung —trailblazing exec, leadership strategist, and accidental trust-builder—about the messy reality of stepping into high-stakes roles. Stephanie gets candid about what it’s really like to walk into a company mid-crisis, how to lead teams that don’t look, think, or operate like you, and why asking the right questions beats having all the answers. From decoding broken sales processes to building authentic relationships, her approach blends Radical Candor with radical curiosity. Her book Ally Leadership isn’t just a guide—it’s a wake-up call for anyone ready to lead with heart, backbone, and an open mind. If you’ve ever doubted your instincts or feared saying the wrong thing, this episode is your invitation to lead anyway—and lead better. Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠ RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠ . Episode Links: Transcript Stephanie Chung and Associates, Inc. | LinkedIn Stephanie Chung The Radical Candor Guide to Leading Through Uncertainty Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You Connect: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠ Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Amy introduce leadership expert Stephanie Chung. (00:01:31) Leading Through Change: Where to Start The process of evaluating and addressing organizational challenges. (00:05:43) Diagnosing Sales Challenges How process inefficiencies—not people—often hinder sales teams. (00:07:21) Building Trust as a New Leader Strategies for establishing trust with new teams from day one. (00:10:07) Transforming JetSuite: From Commodity to Luxury Lessons from leading cultural and brand transformation. (00:11:46) Feedback & Self-Awareness in Leadership The importance of vulnerability and inviting radical feedback. (00:17:50) Ally Leadership & Generational Diversity Why curiosity is key to leading across generations and identities. (00:24:20) Being an Underrepresented Leader Navigating workplace bias and building allyship in leadership. (00:30:11) Courageous Leadership & Using Your Voice The importance of speaking up and building leadership muscle early. (00:33:27) Neuroscience of Bias & Rewiring the Brain How to overcome in-group bias through exposure and curiosity. (00:38:13) Asking Questions to Build Trust Using questions to uncover personal connections and build rapport. (00:40:26) Listening to Understand, Not to Respond Tactics for active, empathetic, and observant listening. (00:43:07) Where to Find Stephanie Leadership legacy, travel tips, and connecting with Stephanie. (00:47:08) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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The Evil Translator & The Fundamental Attribution Error (Best of) 7 | 21 46:43

29 days ago46:43

46:43

On this Best of episode of the Radical Candor podcast, Kim, Jason and Amy discuss how the fundamental attribution error makes us more likely to use personality attributes to explain someone else’s behavior rather than considering our own behavior or situational factors that were probably the real cause of the behavior. This is where the “not about personality” part of Radical Candor comes into play. Plus, Jason shares a hilarious (and painfully relatable) story about the “evil little translator” in his head that used to turn even well-meaning feedback into: 🗣️ “You’re terrible. You’re completely incompetent. It’s a miracle you tied your shoes this morning.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Tune in, laugh, and maybe rethink the way you hear feedback. Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠ RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠ . Episode Links: Transcript Beware The Fundamental Attribution Error: Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 8 6 Tips for Giving Helpful Feedback Get to the CORE of Giving Radically Candid Feedback Fundamental attribution error – Wikipedia Fundamental Attribution Error: What It Is & How to Avoid It Giving Feedback: 4 Ways To Avoid Personalizing It Fundamental Attribution Error – The Decision Lab The Three Components of Self-Compassion Connect: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠Bluesky⁠ Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Amy, Kim, and Jason introduce the episode topic of the Fundamental Attribution Error. (00:01:46) Humility Before Feedback Why feedback opens the door to better understanding and solutions. (00:04:50) The Empty Boat A parable highlighting how misjudgments stem from our own triggers. (00:07:59) Blame the System or the Person? How systemic forces shape behavior more than we realize. (00:09:05) Building Relationships to Overcome Bias Whether relationships reduce our tendency to make assumptions. (00:11:15) Reframing How We Give Feedback How a simple language shift transforms conflict into connection. (00:14:54) Feedback Without Personality Labels How focusing on action makes feedback more impactful. (00:16:12) The CORE (or CORN) Framework Overview of a framework that makes feedback clear and actionable. (00:18:33) Real-World Examples of CORE An example of how CORE could have de-escalated a situation. (00:22:24) CORE Keeps Feedback Focused How CORE shifts feedback from past-focused to future-focused. (00:27:01) Internal Critic and Self-Compassion Unpacking how our harsh inner voice colors how we hear feedback. (00:34:29) Managing Sensitive Team Members How to support colleagues with self-doubt through clarity and care. (00:36:12) From Furious to Curious Alternatives to personality-based criticism to make feedback constructive. (00:38:19) Radical Candor Tips Practical, actionable tips for giving and receiving feedback with care. (00:42:44) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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Finding One More Molecule of Hope with Debbie Millman 7 | 20 50:06

5 weeks ago50:06

50:06

Growth sounds beautiful—until you’re knee-deep in failure, self-doubt, and a garden full of dead plants. Amy gets real with Debbie Millman —design legend, branding expert, and accidental gardener—to unpack the not-so-glamorous side of creativity, leadership, and learning to suck at something new. Debbie shares how screwing up (repeatedly) can actually make you better at just about everything and why success can kill your spark, how confidence actually works (spoiler: it’s not magic), and what gardening taught her about patience, failure, and asking for help. Her new book Love Letter to a Garden isn’t just about flowers—it’s about finding hope in the mess and meaning in the mistakes. Oh, and her wife, Roxane Gay, included a killer tomato sauce recipe. If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared, or unsure where to begin, this is your reminder to grab a shovel and just plant something already. Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠ RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠ . Episode Links: ⁠⁠Transcript⁠⁠ ⁠ Debbie Millman Debbie Millman: Creativity, Leadership And The Courage To Tend | Radical Candor Design Matters Love Letter to a Garden Connect: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠Bluesky⁠ Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Amy introduces guest Debbie Millman, designer, author, and host of Design Matters . (00:04:05) Starting Design Matters How Debbie started the podcast to reconnect with creative purpose. (00:07:17) From Maker to Manager The tough transition from doing creative work to leading others. (00:09:28) Communicating with Impact Why how you show up matters as much as what you say. (00:12:00) Feedback & Growth Learning to receive criticism and evolve from it. (00:16:48) Confidence Through Repetition Why confidence comes after doing — not before. (00:19:05) A Gardener’s Beginning How one creative experiment led to Love Letter to a Garden . (00:24:54) Learning to Ask for Help A turning point in accepting guidance and sharing vulnerability. (00:27:51) Hope Over Shame Choosing to keep going — one molecule of hope at a time. (00:31:20) Processing Emotions The value of feeling your feelings, not rushing past them. (00:34:40) Fulfillment in the Process Why lasting joy is found in the act of creating, not accolades. (00:38:06) Control & Chaos Using design and gardening as ways to find agency. (00:41:11) Harvesting and Sharing Turning garden bounty into nourishment and love. (00:42:55) Something to Plant Debbie’s parting wisdom: plant something—and let go. (00:45:54) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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I'm the 'Cool' Boss and It's Not Working 7 | 19 38:12

6 weeks ago38:12

38:12

Are you the cool boss that everyone loves, but no one respects? Join Kim and Jason as they address a pressing question from a production supervisor struggling with their team's lack of accountability. Learn the importance of sharing personal stories, soliciting feedback, and giving timely criticism, all while remembering that accountability is an act of kindness. If you're struggling with setting boundaries and holding people accountable, we've got your back. Get all of the show notes at ⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠ . Episode Links: ⁠Transcript⁠ Why Being a “Cool Boss” Backfires — And What to Do Instead ⁠ Stuck In a Ruinous Empathy Rut 5 | 11 Navigating Workplace Tensions: Stuck Between Ruinous Empathy and Obnoxious Aggression Managing Resistance: How to Reset Expectations With Challenging Direct Reports Connect: ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ Bluesky Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Jason introduce a listener’s question from a self-described “too nice” boss. (00:01:23) The Difference Between Nice and Kind The distinction between being "nice" and being "kind" in leadership. (00:03:13) Holding People Accountable How accountability is a core leadership skill, not an act of cruelty. (00:06:33) The Cost of Avoiding Accountability Why Leadership requires addressing difficult behaviors early. (00:11:39) Two Kinds of Respect: Earned vs. Given The two definitions of respect and how managers can earn it. (00:14:45) Emotional Labor of Leadership How management is giving more than you get—by design. (00:19:16) Confusing Strictness with Respect Challenging the misconception that punishment creates respect. (00:23:45) Holding Yourself Accountable Using vulnerability to open a dialogue and reset expectations. (00:25:44) Share Your Radical Candor Story Sharing personal stories to introduce a cultural reset. (00:28:27) Create a Shared Culture and Vocabulary Advice on resetting workplace culture and team alignment. (00:32:26) Radical Candor Tips Actionable steps for building a culture of Radical Candor. (00:33:24) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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Returning to the Office & Remembering Why We Left 7 | 18 44:21

7 weeks ago44:21

44:21

From malfunctioning WiFi to epic commutes and offices mysteriously out of toilet paper, the “return to office” era is serving up workplace absurdity on a silver platter. Jason and Amy blow past the corporate spin and get Radically Candid about the “back to the office” push: why it’s often more about control than collaboration, how companies overlook basic human needs, and the ways these policies can quietly erode trust, productivity, and psychological safety. From generational gripes to the myth that face time means innovation, they call out the real reasons so many leaders want butts in seats—and why those reasons rarely hold up. Who’s actually benefiting from all this office hoopla? Because at Radical Candor, we believe real leadership means listening, adapting, and making work suck a whole lot less—even if it means challenging the status quo. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast . Episode Links: Transcript Cockroaches And Working In A Closet: Inside Trump's Return-To-Office Order | Reuters No Toilet Paper And No Privacy: Returning To The Office, Federal Workers Walk Into Chaos | The New York Times Return To Office. Not Sure What To Do, A Bit Stressed. : R/Fednews What Happened At Your Org After They Implemented Their Return To Work Policy? : R/Jobs The Official List Of Every Company’s Back-To-Office Strategy | Hubble Federal Workers Ordered Back To Office Find Shortages Of Desks, Wi-Fi And Toilet Paper Does Returning To The Office Support Your Company’s Strategy? | HBR How To Get Return To Office Right | McKinsey RTO Mandate Trends In 2025: Why Forcing Employees Back To The Office Hurts Business | Hub Staff New Research Suggests Remote Jobs Are Best For Company’s Bottom Line | Forbes The Strength Of Weak Ties | Stanford Report Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Jason and Amy introduce the episode’s topic on return to office trends. (00:01:28) The Radical Candor Remote Philosophy Why the company is remote-first and the downsides of in-person work. (00:06:41) Office Productivity & Innovation Whether productivity and innovation improve when in office. (00:10:27) Navigating Unwanted Change Advice for employees facing unwanted return-to-office changes. (00:16:13) Should You Stay or Should You Go? Evaluating if you should start job hunting or try to adapt to the new reality. (00:19:17) Burnout, Hybrid, and Hidden Costs Research on burnout and the importance of workplace social connections. (00:24:19) The Cost of Constant Interruptions Challenges with distractions and productivity in office environments. (00:30:22) Generational and Gender Gaps Differences in RTO satisfaction in different demographics. (00:32:07) Having Effective RTO Conversations Advocating for your needs and establishing new office processes. (00:35:29) Radical Candor Tips Tips for employees and managers navigating return-to-office mandates. (00:39:48) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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The Cost of the Move-Fast-Break-Things Mentality 7 | 17 47:33

8 weeks ago47:33

47:33

Move fast, break things, and hope no one notices? Not so fast. In this episode, Kim and Jason rip into the shiny promise of speed at all costs—and the very real damage it leaves behind. From slashing vital research to chasing clicks with outrage bait, they expose how a lack of debate, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making can spiral into chaos. This isn’t just about tech; it’s about what happens when leaders skip the hard conversations and dodge the consequences. Drawing from their own experiences, they make the case for cultures that value learning over ego, action over excuses, and why psychological safety isn’t just nice to have—it’s non-negotiable. It’s a no-BS look at what happens when no one’s allowed to say, “Hey, maybe let’s not.” Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast . Episode Links: Transcript How To Get Shit Done | Radical Candor Podcast 4 | 2 Leaders Can Move Fast And Fix Things CEO Of $4.2 Billion Tech Giant Says Defying Silicon Valley's ‘Move Fast And Break Things’ Mantra Was Essential To Growing His Business | Fortune Amy Edmondson—The Science Of Failing Well | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 18 The Measurement Problem—Development Versus Management | Radical Candor Podcast 3 | 7 Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Jason introduce the episode's topic of the "move fast and break things" philosophy. (00:00:31) Mistakes, Innovation, and Safety Why admitting errors is key to progress—even in high-stakes fields. (00:02:44) Ebola Funding Fallout A case study in reckless decisions and real-world impact. (00:05:08) When Speed Isn’t the Answer How context matters—from search engines to nuclear plants. (00:08:10) Accountability & Power The erosion of checks and balances in tech and government. (00:10:30) Scale Changes the Stakes Why today’s tech giants can’t play by startup rules. (00:14:40) Metrics That Mislead How measuring engagement drives harmful content. (00:20:01) Debate Fuels Innovation Why creating space for disagreement leads to better outcomes. (00:23:43) Power, Politics, and Platforms How tech companies avoid regulation and the need for public input (00:28:52) Inside Content Moderation Kim’s Google stories and the need for democratic input. (00:36:46) Why Oversight Is So Hard The difficulty of encouraging informed debate in organizations. (00:41:37) Radical Candor Tips Tips for moving fast without breaking what matters most. (00:42:52) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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From Bottlenecks to Buy-In: Overcoming Bureaucracy 7 | 16 46:10

9 weeks ago46:10

46:10

Cut through workplace red tape—without burning bridges. Ever feel like getting anything done at work means running a marathon through molasses? You’re not alone. In this episode, Amy and Jason go full throttle on the soul-sucking systems that slow teams down and wear people out. Sparked by a listener stuck in a tangle of outdated processes, they unpack how well-meaning rules morph into momentum killers—and what to do when speaking up feels like you’re just making it worse. With a blend of straight talk, lived experience, and a whole lot of Radical Candor, they offer a new playbook: lead with curiosity, advocate with clarity, and stop waiting for permission to fix what’s broken. This one’s for anyone who's tired of navigating systems built to say "no" when the work is begging for a "hell yes." Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast . Episode Links: Transcript Aman Kochar Change Enabler | Radical Candor Podcast 7 | 9 Get Shit Done Step 4 — Push Decisions Into the Facts 4 | 10 How to Practice Radical Candor With Your Boss 3 | 9 How To Give Candid Feedback With the Radical Candor CORE Method Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Jason and Amy introduce a listener’s question about streamlining approval processes. (00:01:36) When Process Becomes a Trust Killer How approval bottlenecks erode trust and lead to burnout. (00:02:46) Approvals That Make Sense Differentiating between meaningful and meaningless approvals. (00:06:10) The Inertia of Bureaucracy Why process isn’t evil—but rarely gets reexamined when it should. (00:07:50) Communicating Up Without Escalating How to discuss change without putting managers on the defensive. (00:13:22) What Problem Is the Process Solving? A practical script for questioning approval thresholds constructively. (00:15:45) Software Purchase Saga A story about approvals that made no one’s life better. (00:20:19) Getting Specific vs. Talking in Patterns Why it’s better to present one example rather than broad frustration. (00:26:01) Role Play: The Rental Car Scenario How to challenge a flawed process without triggering a shutdown. (00:34:38) Finding a Third Way Creating solutions that meet both employee and organizational goals. (00:37:45) Radical Candor Tips Tips to help you navigate bureaucracy with clarity, care, and results. (00:43:34) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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How NDAs Protect Power Instead of People 7 | 15 44:05

10 weeks ago44:05

44:05

When contracts hide misconduct, it’s not policy—it’s a cover-up. What do NDAs, forced arbitration, and emotionally manipulating teenagers have in common? Sadly, more than you'd hope. Kim, Jason and Amy rip the lid off the corporate culture of hush-hush harm, legal gymnastics and why emotional manipulation is a feature—not a bug—in some marketing strategies. They dig into the story behind Careless People by Sara Wynn-Williams, the book someone definitely doesn’t want you to read, and expose how companies use contracts to silence the truth and protect power—not people. From creepy ad targeting to leaders who dodge accountability like it’s dodgeball, the crew gets real about why “just business” is a lazy excuse for bad behavior. Kim even owns up to the time she played the NDA game—and why she’ll never do it again. Because real leadership doesn’t mean covering your ass—it means doing the damn right thing, even when it costs you. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast . Episode Links: Transcript Watch the episode Meta Tries To Stop Sarah Wynn-Williams From Further Selling Scathing Memoir | The New York Times Meta Tries To Bury A Tell-All Book | Wired Radical Respect Newsletter Ex-Meta Executive: ‘People Deserve To Know What This Company Is Really Like’ | CNN Business Careless People: A Cautionary Tale Of Power, Greed, And Lost Idealism | Sarah Wynn-Williams Lift Our Voices Lessons From A Whistleblower: Susan Rigetti | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 44 She Said | Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey Catch And Kill | Ronan Farrow Ellen Pao: Tech’s Meritocracy Is Broken | Radical Candor Podcast 7 | 3 The Facebook Whistleblower Book Mark Zuckerberg Doesn’t Want You To Read | Vox How Mandatory Arbitration Weakens Workplace Laws And Lets Employers Off The Hook | Nelp Facebook’s Secrets, By The Insider Zuckerberg Tried To Silence | The Times Speaking Truth To Power: The Cost-Benefit Analysis | Radical Respect Jennifer Joy Freyd, PhD. The Best Bookstore In Palm Springs Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim, Jason, and Amy introduce the topic of NDAs and forced arbitration. (00:02:11) Why Careless People Matters The impact of NDAs and the importance of supporting the author. (00:03:17) Understanding Forced Arbitration A breakdown of arbitration and its role in silencing workplace harm. (00:06:20) Emotional Targeting at Facebook A disturbing passage about targeting vulnerable teens. (00:09:43) Harm, Silence, and Scapegoats The role of toxic cultures and fear play in keeping employees silent. (00:17:40) The Measurement Problem How profit-driven metrics ignore the human harm they cause. (00:22:14) Loyalty vs Integrity Balancing between professional loyalty and moral responsibility. (00:26:29) Kim’s NDA Regret A candid story of using an NDA to silence an employee. (00:32:40) Building Better Systems Strategies for leaders to design accountability into workplace culture. (00:34:42) A Better Way Forward Why transparency and early action are more effective than silence. (00:38:02) Culture Is Design How treating culture like a product helps fix systemic issues. (00:39:49) Radical Candor Tips Tips for eliminating NDAs, ending forced arbitration, and building trust (00:41:30) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

1
Surviving Assholes and Building Better Organizations with Bob Sutton 7 | 14 59:23

11 weeks ago59:23

59:23

Being the boss isn’t about power trips—it’s about leaving your jerk card at the door. Turns out, surviving the workplace often comes down to one simple rule: don’t be an asshole. Kim Scott and Amy Sandler sit down with Stanford’s Bob Sutton, author of The No Asshole Rule and The Friction Project, to talk about how real leadership means treating people like people, not just cogs in a machine. Bob gets straight to the point about why toxic behavior kills productivity, how organizational “friction” can be both helpful and harmful, and what it takes to build teams that fight fair and thrive together. They also tackle why efficient isn’t always effective, how to spot—and stop—assholes before they do lasting damage, and why the best bosses aren’t afraid to show up with both candor and care. As Kim puts it, sometimes it’s better to have a hole than an asshole . Whether you're leading a team or just trying to survive one, this conversation is your reminder that treating people with decency is never optional—and if you're stuck choosing between keeping an asshole or leaving a hole, always go with the hole. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast . Episode Links: Transcript Radical Friction: The Editor/Author Relationship Books | Bob Sutton Work Matters | Bob Sutton How To Get A Radically Candid Boss | Radical Candor Podcast 3 | 12 Don't Let A Bad Boss Derail You | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 18 Are Assholes More Effective? Bob Sutton Weighs In Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Amy introduce Stanford Professor Emeritus Bob Sutton. (00:01:35) The No Asshole Rule Origin Story How Bob’s research into organizational decline led to a focus on workplace jerks. (00:07:02) Layoffs Done Right (And Wrong) Kim and Bob trade stories on compassionate vs. catastrophic layoffs. (00:11:16) Good Friction vs. Bad Friction The Friction Project and why not all efficiency is actually efficient (00:16:23) Building Emotional Trust How emotional trust grows and fuels creative partnerships. (00:24:58) The Asshole Survival Guide: 4 Ways to Deal Strategies for handling difficult people and navigating toxic environments. (00:29:50) Certified vs. Clueless Assholes Recognizing the moments when you might actually be the asshole. (00:33:47) It Happens at the Listener’s Ear How context shapes whether something feels candid or cruel. (00:38:59) Decision-Making, Simplicity & Reversibility Questions friction-fixers ask to decide when to slow down or speed up. (00:46:15) Gossip as a Strategic Tool The ways gossip can help you avoid toxic work environments. (00:52:03) Fixing Friction at Stanford Bob shares his current work helping Stanford reduce internal friction. (00:55:54) Where to Find Bob Sutton Where to find Bob and his books — plus a final note on long emails. (00:56:50) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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The Wild Courage to Get What You Want, With Jenny Wood 7 | 13 52:23

12 weeks ago52:23

52:23

Stop playing it safe—embrace the bold, unexpected traits that actually get you ahead. Success doesn’t come to those who wait—it comes to those who take it. For years, you’ve been told to be humble, play nice, and wait your turn. Jenny Wood says that’s exactly why so many talented people stay stuck. As a former Google executive turned author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, she’s here to expose the real traits that drive success—ones that might make you uncomfortable. Forget the polite career playbook, being selfish, obsessed, even a little manipulative (the right way) can actually be your biggest advantage. Jenny gets radically candid with Kim and Amy on why risk-taking beats waiting for permission, why saying “no” is a career superpower, and how to self-promote without sounding like a jerk. If you’re sick of playing it safe and watching others pass you by, this episode is your permission slip to take bigger swings and get what you want. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast . Episode Links: Transcript Wild Courage by Jenny Wood The Story of “How About Never” | The New Yorker Newsletter | Jenny Wood Watch on YouTube Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Amy welcome Jenny Wood, author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It . (00:1:02) The Nine Traits That Will Get You Ahead Nine controversial traits that are actually career superpowers. (00:4:26) The Subway Story That Changed Everything Jenny shares a story on ignoring self-doubt and taking action. (00:10:16) Calculated Risks vs. Playing It Safe Why taking smart risks is essential for personal and professional success. (00:13:04) The Google Factor: How It Shaped Wild Courage How Google built confidence, encouraged risks, and sparked creativity. (00:17:09) Owning Your Weird Advice for staying authentic in workplaces that don’t naturally foster it. (00:21:38) Identifying Your Power Assets Identifying your power assets to make self-promotion feel natural. (00:25:22) Managing Up, Higher, and Diagonally A tactical guide to workplace influence through strategic senior connections. (00:31:54) Overcoming Bias in the Workplace Strategies to counter workplace biases in recognition and self-promotion. (00:36:56) Why Saying No is a Superpower How learning to say no without guilt protects your time and energy. (00:42:40) Get in Front of the Right People The importance of standing out and getting noticed by leadership. (00:44:57) Pull It and Bullet It The “Pull It and Bullet It” method for impactful, time-saving emails. (00:48:05) Where to Find Jenny Wood Where to get Wild Courage and find Jenny for keynotes and workshops. (00:49:41) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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How to TALK So People Actually Listen with Dr. Alison Wood Brooks 7 | 12 47:38

13 weeks ago47:38

47:38

Ditch the awkwardness and start owning every conversation. Talking to people shouldn’t feel like a struggle—but let’s be honest, it often does. Maybe you’re stuck in small talk hell, getting ignored in meetings, or watching conversations die mid-sentence. Why is this so hard? Amy sits down with Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, Harvard Business School professor and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, to expose the hidden science behind great conversations—and why most of us are getting it wrong. They break down the TALK framework (Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness) and unpack the subtle mistakes that make people tune out, disengage, or just not like talking to you. Whether you want to command the room, sound sharper in meetings or just stop replaying every interaction in your head, Alison delivers straight-shooting, science-backed strategies to help you talk better, connect faster, and stress less. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast . Episode Links: Transcript Alison Wood Brooks Talk: The Science Of Conversation and the Art Of Being Ourselves Alison Wood Brooks | LinkedIn Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Amy Sandler welcomes Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, Harvard Business School professor and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation. (00:01:44) The Power of Connection in Conversation How small, personal connections can create deeper conversations. (00:02:53) What Inspired Talk? Dr. Wood Brooks shares how she became fascinated with conversation science. (00:07:25) Giving Conversation Feedback Why most people receive little feedback on their conversational skills. (00:13:17) The Hidden Coordination Game How small, unconscious decisions shape every conversation. (00:18:54) The TALK Framework Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness—the four keys to better conversations. (00:20:24) Practicing Listening Guided exercises and listening techniques from the Talk course. (00:21:39) The Science Behind Mind-Wandering Why we tune out during conversations and how to stay present. (00:29:06) The Challenges of Group Conversations Why group conversations are harder to manage than one-on-one talks. (00:34:05) Digital vs. In-Person Talk How virtual communication changes conversations. (00:36:51) Designing Better Meetings Strategies for leaders to create inclusive and effective meetings. (00:39:37) Boomer Asking The conversational habit that makes people disengage. (00:44:28) Where to Find Dr. Wood Brooks Dr. Wood Brooks shares where to find her work and book tour details. (00:45:32) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

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When the PIP Feels Disingenuous: The Ethics of Managing Out 7 | 11 40:29

14 weeks ago40:29