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 to managing post-election anxieties, we explore how to maintain psychological safety when emotions run high. Is it possible to keep things civil in the offi...

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.Our hosts unpack:The growing toxicity in middle management rolesWhy focusing on managers might be more crucial than employee experienceThe dangerous disconnect bet...

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 Holmes, founder of BoredLess.Acey is a playful work design consultant who's about to shake up everything you thought you knew about productivity and workplace e...

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 requirement, covering:• Debunking the myth: Does in-office presence really build company culture?• Remote work vs. office work: Impact on employee productivity and...

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 Donahue's candid talk on workplace trauma to Neil Pretty's thought-provoking discussion on psychological safety as a KPI. We'll share how these conversations have ...

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 decision, exploring its implications for the HR profession and the future of workplace equity. Listen as they dissect SHRM's reasoning, analyze the community's passio...

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 backgrounds more present than you are? Is your cubicle turning into a secret escape hatch? We're uncovering it all!Key discussion points include:The art of the virtu...

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 while maintaining high-performance standards.Jim illuminates the dangers of poorly executed inclusion practices, which can result in organizational chaos and a lack...

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 holding organizations back from meaningful performance conversations, such as lack of manager training, outdated annual review processes, and the need for bette...

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 contributing to this trend, such as remote work, high turnover, and the time investment required to build close bonds in the workplace.Discover why having a close frien...

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 security, and innovative work behavior (IWB).As layoffs loom and employees fear for their futures, innovation takes a backseat to self-preservation. Our hosts dive d...

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 dissect and debate the effectiveness of current L&D practices, introducing groundbreaking alternatives that could redefine organizational learning and dev...

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 job landscape, inspired by insights from Ann Kowalsmith's compelling Forbes article, "3 Reasons Why This Season of Layoffs May Destroy the Future of Work." They...

"Thrive Together: Designing for Wellness in the Workplace with Adam Weber" features an in-depth conversation with Adam Weber, a distinguished figure in the HR and leadership landscape. Adam hosts the popular HR Superstars Podcast and is the Chief Evangelist of 15Five, a leading continuous performance management software company. Adam's expertise is also captured in his Amazon bestseller, "Lead Like A Human," which explores the intricate balance between authentic leadership and business...

In this thought-provoking episode of "The Elephant in the Org," hosts Marion, Cacha, and Danny engage in a deep dive with Kim Minnick, a seasoned People Ops leader, to unpack the traditional pitfalls of performance reviews. They challenge the status quo, advocating for a shift towards a more empathetic and effective approach to evaluating employee performance. The discussion navigates through the importance of continuous feedback, the integration of company values into the review process, and...

Are you ready to dive deep into the heart of psychological safety within organizations? Our latest podcast episode, "When Well-being Becomes a Number: The Psych-Safety Debate," is now live, featuring an enlightening conversation with special guest Neil Pretty, the co-founder and Managing Partner at Aristotle Performance. In this episode, our hosts Marion, Danny, and Cacha explore the critical importance of psychological safety in creating innovative, high-performing teams and learning...

In the latest "Oh Sh*t! What's Happened Now?" bonus episode, we unwrap the sticky tape off a major headline: Boots, the UK pharmacy giant, is mandating a full five-day office return for its head office warriors. The hosts, Danny Gluch, Cacha Dora, and Marion Anderson, dissect this prescription for workplace presence, questioning whether it's the cure-all Boots believes it to be or if side effects may include a dose of public backlash and employee dissatisfaction. With a blend of wit,...

In the captivating Episode 19 of "The Elephant in the Org," titled "Unf*cking Work for Women with Michelle Minnikin," hosts Danny Gluch, Cacha Dora, and Marion Anderson delve into the pervasive challenges women face in the workplace. Joined by guest Michelle Minnikin, an acclaimed author, organizational psychologist, and workplace culture expert, this episode explores how societal conditioning and coercive control mechanisms contribute to the systemic barriers hindering women's professional...

In this thought-provoking episode of "The Elephant in the Org," hosts Danny, Cacha, and Marion are joined by HR strategist Josie Batres to explore the transformation of HR from a traditional, checkbox-oriented function to a strategic partner within the business. Josie shares her extensive experience and insights into how HR can influence organizational culture, drive employee engagement, and contribute to business strategy beyond administrative tasks. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The...

Welcome to a thought-provoking episode of "The Elephant in the Org," where we tackle the complex and often overlooked issue of trauma in the workplace. In episode 17, titled "The Invisible Wounds: Leadership, Shame, and Psychological Safety in Workplace Trauma," we delve deep into the nuances of creating a supportive and understanding work environment that recognizes and addresses the impacts of trauma. Joined by the insightful Jessica Donahue, a seasoned HR leader and consultant with a rich...

Welcome to "The Elephant in the Org," Episode 16, "Ghosting: The Vanishing Act of Recruiters." Join hosts Danny Gluch, Cacha Dora, Marion Anderson, and talent acquisition leader Hector Lujan Jr., as we explore the trend of ghosting in recruitment. This episode examines how this practice, originally from the dating world, affects both recruiters and candidates, impacting professional relationships and company reputations. Our discussion with Hector Lujan Jr. delves into the drivers of...

In this special Valentine's Day edition of "The Elephant in the Org," we unwrap the often taboo topic of office romance with a blend of humor, honesty, and HR savvy. Join Danny Gluch and his co-hosts Cacha Dora, and Marion Anderson as they delve into the heart (and potential heartaches) of finding love amidst the cubicles. Whether it's the thrill of a shared project turning into something more, or the pitfalls of navigating a corporate cupid's arrow, this episode is a candid exploration of...

Ever thought your HR data might be pulling a fast one on you? 🤔  Join us in our latest episode where we debunk the myths of HR metrics with our special guest, Ben O'Mahony, Co-Founder and CEO of JobsASI. Dive into the tricky world of averages and discover why your KPIs might be telling you fibs.  Prepare for a lively chat with your Fearless PX hosts Danny Gluch, Cacha Dora, and Marion Anderson, as they explore the intricate dance between qualitative and quantitative data in HR. It's not just...

Dive into Episode 13 of "The Elephant in the Org," titled "Calendar Clutter: The Corporate Cult of Wasted Time," where hosts Danny Gluch, Cacha Dora, and Marion Anderson tackle the pervasive issue of excessive meetings in the corporate world. This episode reveals how an overabundance of meetings not only disrupts employee productivity but also impacts overall workplace satisfaction. The hosts explore various global perspectives on meeting culture, offering insights on effective strategies...