

Truth, Lies and Work
HubSpot Podcast Network
Truth, Lies & Work is the UK's #1 Management Podcast.Brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, this award-winning podcast is where behavioural science meets workplace culture. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, the show has reached #2 in the UK Business Podcast Charts and consistently ranks as a Top 10 trending business podcast globally.With a unique blend of evidence-based insight and lived experience, Leanne and Al simplify the science of people and culture to help leaders attract, engage, and retain great talent.Episodes drop twice a week. Tuesdays feature a global people and culture news round-up, a hot take from an emerging or established voice, and the world-famous Workplace Surgery—where Leanne answers real listener questions with practical advice. Thursdays dive deeper with expert guests from across the business and psychology worlds, sharing fresh perspectives and actionable strategies.Whether you're scaling a startup or leading a large team, Truth, Lies & Work delivers the tools, thinking, and inspiration to build thriving, toxic-free workplaces that prioritise well-being and drive sustainable growth.Also, the hosts are married—so expect unfiltered honesty, occasional banter, and a real-life lens on work and life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 7, 2024 • 46min
95: Google's onboarding, moonlighting, TikTok Therapists, PLUS how to work with your partner: This Week In Work 7th May 2024
Well here it is - the latest episode of "Truth, Lies, and Work," where hosts Leanne and Al Elliott unpack the dynamics of the workplace with humour and insight. This episode dives into several hot topics, including the latest TikTok trends in therapy, Google's efficient onboarding process, and the benefits of moonlighting for employee engagement.In This Episode:
Therapy Talk on TikTok: Leanne discusses how therapists are using TikTok to share quick mental health tips, while Al reflects on the personal and public implications of finding your therapist online.
Google's Onboarding Secrets: Al shares insights from an Inc Magazine article on Google’s five simple onboarding tips that help new hires integrate faster.
Moonlighting as a Trend: The hosts explore the controversial yet increasingly popular practice of moonlighting, discussing its potential to enhance skills and job satisfaction.
Special Segments:
Weekly Workplace Surgery: Leanne answers listener questions about workplace challenges, providing practical advice with her expert knowledge.
Co-founder Couple Insights: Leanne and Al share personal lessons and tips from their experience working together as a married co-founder couple.
Episode Highlights:
Celebrating personal milestones and the dynamics of working with your spouse.
Engaging discussions on whether therapists should share advice on social media.
Practical advice for companies on how to better integrate new employees.
Listener Q&A that addresses real-time workplace dilemmas.
Tune in for a relaxed yet educational discussion on these topics and more, packed with anecdotes and laughter, making complex issues accessible and engaging.General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

May 2, 2024 • 45min
94. The Truth about the Gender Pay Gap, feat. the co-founders of Ivee.jobs
In this inspiring episode, we delve into the Founder Story of Amelia and Lydia Miller, the dynamic sisters behind Ivee.jobs, a transformative tech platform dedicated to assisting women in re-entering the workforce after career breaks. As we navigate through their story, we uncover the challenges and societal barriers women face and explore the innovative solutions Ivee.jobs offers to bridge the gender pay gap and enhance career re-entry prospects.Key Discussions:
The Genesis of Ivee.jobs: Lydia shares the touching inspiration behind Ivee, drawing from the personal experience of their mother's challenging return to the professional world.
Confronting Challenges: Amelia and Lydia discuss the significant hurdles women encounter when returning to work, such as recruitment biases and the need for flexible working conditions.
Understanding the Gender Pay Gap: Amelia, a published gender psychologist, breaks down the misconceptions surrounding the gender pay gap and emphasises its real implications, especially as women progress in age and career stages.
The Role of Technology in Empowerment: Dive into how Ivee.jobs leverages technology to create a supportive community and provide practical tools for women, enhancing their confidence and readiness to re-enter the workforce.
Entrepreneurial Insights: The co-founders discuss the entrepreneurial spirit that drives them, the societal impact of their work, and their vision for the future of female empowerment in the professional realm.
Gain valuable insights into overcoming gender disparities in the workplace and to hear firsthand how innovative thinking and technology can create meaningful change. Whether you're returning to work after a break, interested in gender equity, or looking for inspiration from successful female entrepreneurs, this episode is for you.ResourcesConnect with Amelia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-miller-100b68149/Connect with Lydia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-miller-/Visit ivee.jobs: https://ivee.jobs/General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

Apr 30, 2024 • 38min
93. Call me Daddy, Elon's latest scandal, and talking Suicide - Plus Your Workplace Questions Answered: This Week in Work 30th April 2024
Hello and welcome! If this is your first time tuning in on a Tuesday, you’re in for a treat. This is where we dive deep into the most pressing topics affecting the world of work today.Today’s Episode:
Elon Musk: Visionary or Villain? We revisit the controversial figure of Elon Musk, exploring recent accusations of misleading practices at Tesla, akin to the Enron scandal. Is this the beginning of the end for Musk’s reign in tech?
The Power of Cooperatives: Why organisations structured as cooperatives, like Mondragón Corporation in Spain, not only survive but thrive through their strong communal bonds and democratic principles.
Men's Mental Health Focus: We spotlight a critical public health initiative in East Sussex aiming to address the concerning rise in suicide rates among men. Hear how community efforts are making a tangible difference.
Burnout Discussion Recap: Highlights from a recent discussion on burnout with Jeremy Cline, exploring the real-life impacts and personal stories shared.
Weekly Workplace Surgery: Your burning questions answered! From navigating creepy boss encounters to transitioning into leadership roles smoothly and effectively implementing team feedback through mini-surveys.
Join us as we round up significant news, offer insights, and provide the tools you need to navigate the complex landscape of modern work. Whether it’s dealing with leadership challenges, enhancing workplace culture, or understanding the broader societal issues impacting workers, "This Week in Work" is your go-to source for all things work-related.Links:Is Tesla the new Enron?: https://apple.news/APBTDATx-R3WTHYjokR4JaQCultures in Co-ops: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/apr/24/in-the-us-they-think-were-communists-the-70000-workers-showing-the-world-another-way-to-earn-a-livingMental Health in Costal towns: uhttps://apple.news/Adv3Ykvq5QPqJbKXo2Pj_4AJeremy's Change Work Life Podcast: https://changeworklife.com/category/podcast/Real World Leader Assessment: https://realworld-group.com/selection-tool/HSE Management Standards Indicator Tool: https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/downloads.htmWorkplace Wellbeing question bank: https://whatworkswellbeing.org/resources/workplace-wellbeing-question-bank/Dave Kline's MGMT Accelerator: https://maven.com/dave-kline/mgmt-acceleratorEpisode about John, Leanne's best manager: https://truthliesandwork.com/truth-lies-work-podcast/leanne-elliott-co-hosts-story_1962/General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

Apr 23, 2024 • 30min
92: Redundancy news, Is Pizza Friday lame AF?, Micromanaging PLUS your Weekly Workplace Surgery - This Week In Work 23rd April 2024
In this week's episode of "This Week In Work," hosts Leanne and Al Elliott dive deep into the risks and rewards of workplace autonomy.
Can giving too much freedom to your team backfire? We explore this with insights from a recent Inc magazine article, discussing the delicate balance between micromanagement and neglect.
We debunk some of the so-called 'new' Gen Z work trends
Leanne takes a critical look at the rising layoff rates, providing tips on how to safeguard your career in an uncertain economy.
Don't miss our Weekly Workplace Surgery, where Leanne offers her expert advice on workplace dynamics.
BONUS: Our open offer to Dom Joly to come on the podcast...
Tune in for a blend of expert analysis, practical tips, and engaging discussions designed to help you navigate the complexities of today's working world.And make sure to subscribe for more insights into making your workplace not just a place to work, but a great place to work.Links:
Listen to Leanne on We Are Human Leaders Podcast: https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/layoffs-redundancies-leanne-elliott
https://www.fastcompany.com/91090755/9-gen-z-work-trends-that-arent-new-but-hit-different-now
https://www.businessinsider.com/recession-outlook-layoffs-job-market-economy-unemployment-rate-hard-landing-2024-4
General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

Apr 18, 2024 • 45min
91. How to Manage Superstars, with Diego Maradona's Former Agent, Jon Smith
This week, we dive deep into the world of high-stakes management through the lens of sports. Today's guest, Jon Smith, is not just any sports agent—he's a superagent who has navigated the careers of icons like Diego Maradona and has stories that bridge the worlds of sports, politics, and entertainment.Episode Highlights:
Effective Management Techniques: Jon shares his expert insights on managing high-profile personalities, drawing parallels between leading sports stars and top corporate players.
Mastering Negotiations: From securing player contracts to corporate mergers, learn the art of negotiation from a seasoned pro.
Talent Acquisition: Discover Jon's strategies for identifying and attracting top talent, even before they're considering a move.
Diversity's Financial Impact: Explore how diversity within teams can lead to financial success and why it's a cornerstone for building wealth.
Handling Superstars: Jon discusses the unique challenges and strategies involved in managing some of the most celebrated names in sports.
Join us as Jon Smith unfolds the playbook of managing superstars and shares how these lessons can be transformative for your professional and organisational strategies. Whether you're a sports fan or a business leader, this episode is packed with invaluable advice. Stay tuned and subscribe for more insights into making your workplace not just a place to work, but a great place to work.ResourcesFollow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jon1startistRead Jon's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1472123026Visit Jon's website: https://www.jonsmith.co/General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

Apr 16, 2024 • 34min
90: Red Rooster's free childcare, changing careers at 40, and sending embarrassing emails - This Week In Work -16th April 2024
Welcome to This Week in Work, your Tuesday dose of the latest headlines, stories and challenges from the world of work in April 2024.In today's episode:
The News Roundup: We talk about Red Rooster who have introduced free childcare, why McKinsey might not be the best company to work for and whether the term 'chairMAN' is outdated
60 Second Highlights: Nora Burns' new podcast (https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/52162edb-cf4c-4213-93a8-6d8ce0dab6b5/id/30741883), recap of last week's episode with Ben from CharlieHR & sneak peek at this Thursday's episode with Diego Maradona's former agent
The Workplace Clinic: Al will puts your pressing questions about workplace culture directly to Leanne, our in-house business psychologist.
Upcoming on Thursday: Join us for a fascinating insight into the world of sport with Football's Super Agent, Jon Smith.Resources and Further Reading:
Red Rooster's childcare scheme: https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/child-care-ups-benefits-777c632a
The debate about chair vs chairman: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/death-of-the-chairman-city-switching-to-more-inclusive-chairs-m97gbff2c
Dr Audrey Tang's VITALS exercise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yXjo6TmA24
Stories from the Break Room Podcast, with Nora Burns - The Undercover Candidate: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZlvaWjsaypS7nIx43rmwd?si=6eb2c6a33a044df2
Stay tuned and subscribe for more insights into making your workplace not just a place to work, but a great place to work.General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

Apr 11, 2024 • 37min
89: Is HR really the enemy? With Ben Branson-Gateley from CharlieHR.com
Join us as we ask Ben Branson-Gateley, co-founder and CEO of Charlie HR if HR is really worth investing in and we investigate the nuances of creating impactful HR systems for small businesses. Hear the compelling story of Ben's entrepreneurial spirit, from overcoming dyslexia to spearheading innovation in the HR space.Main Talking Points:
Reshaping HR for Small Businesses: Insight into how Charlie HR fills a critical gap by providing tailored HR solutions that cater specifically to small businesses, ensuring they thrive against the odds.
Cultural Impact on Business Success: Explore how Ben's approach to workplace culture aligns strategic business goals with employee well-being, fostering environments where both can prosper.
The Misconceptions of HR: Dissecting the common myths surrounding HR roles in business, illustrating that HR can harmoniously balance employee needs with stringent business demands.
Leadership and Decision-Making: Ben shares his philosophy on decision-making and leadership, emphasising the importance of discomfort in growth and the alignment of actions with business objectives.
Sustainable Business Practices: Learn about the sustainability of passion and consistency in business practices from Ben’s personal and professional life experiences, which advocate for steady, enduring effort over fleeting brilliance.
If you don't already use HR technology, we'll show you how it can be a game-changer for your business. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner, this episode is packed with insights that could redefine your approach to workplace culture and leadership.Links:
Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gateley (but as he says, he doesn't post often!)
Follow CharlieHR on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoinCharlie
Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bengateley
FREE 7 day trial of CharlieHR: https://www.charliehr.com/join
General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/Chapters:00:00 Opening Thoughts on Compassion in the Workplace00:25 Welcome to the Truth, Lies, and Work Podcast01:21 Introducing Today's Guest: Ben Branson Gateley01:52 The Origin Story of Charlie HR02:41 The Mission and Impact of Charlie HR07:24 Addressing HR Misconceptions11:13 Decision-Making and Leadership Insights13:18 Cultivating a Strong Company Culture15:38 The Strategic Role of Culture in Business Success20:26 Personal Leadership Philosophy and Avoiding Comparison22:46 The Importance of Engagement Surveys and Revenue Focus25:47 Ben's Personal Journey and Dyslexia as a Superpower31:41 Consistency Over Ambition: Ben's Approach to Success32:58 Final Nuggets of Wisdom and HR Advice34:18 Celebrating Podcast Milestones and Encouraging Reviews35:15 Closing Remarks and Musical Outro

Apr 9, 2024 • 34min
88. Resume red flags, Hilton's big win, and recruiting sales superstars - This Week in Work, 9th April 2024
Welcome to This Week in Work, your Tuesday dose of the latest headlines, stories and challenges from the world of work in April 2024.In today's episode:
The News Roundup: We dive into the crucial topics of resume red flags, the secrets behind great workplaces, and how a billionaire tech mogul uses Python coding principles to shape company culture.
60 Second Highlights: Revisit our enlightening conversation with Dave Kline from Management Accelerator, packed with insights on leadership and management excellence.
The Workplace Clinic: I, Al, will be putting your pressing questions about workplace culture directly to Leanne, our in-house business psychologist.
Top Stories This Week:
Resumes Under the Microscope: Discover what recruiters are really looking for and why AI-generated resumes might be selling you short. Michelle Reisdorf from Robert Half weighs in on the importance of personal effort in job applications.
Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For: We explore why companies like Hilton, Cisco, and Nvidia are leading the pack in 2024, with a special focus on what makes a workplace truly appealing to Gen Z.
Lenny's Podcast Highlight: Don't miss insights from Dharmesh Shah of HubSpot on building a company culture with coding principles at heart.
Upcoming on Thursday: Join us for a masterclass in HR with Ben Branson-Gately, founder of CharlieHR, as we delve into the essence of HR and its impact on company culture.Resources and Further Reading:
CNBC on Resume Red Flags: CNBC Article
Lenny's Podcast with Dharmesh Shah: Lenny’s Podcast
Stay tuned and subscribe for more insights into making your workplace not just a place to work, but a place where you want to be.General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

Apr 4, 2024 • 44min
87: Why managers fail (and how to become a world-class manager) with Dave Kline, MGMT Accelerator
Seasoned management expert Dave Kline discusses the challenges of transitioning from top performer to manager, emphasizing the importance of setting clear expectations, hiring the right talent, and creating a motivating environment. The podcast also explores Elon Musk's leadership style and the nuances of effective management practices.

Apr 2, 2024 • 32min
86: Google's 'new' hiring policy, drunken employees and the '2 jobs at once' trend - This Week In Work, 2nd April 2024
Join us in this engaging episode of the Truth, Lies, and Work podcast as we dive into transformative strategies for today's dynamic workplace. From exploring the impact of personality on hiring practices to uncovering the benefits of bringing our furry friends into the stress-awareness conversation, we tackle a wide range of topics that are reshaping how we think about work.Show Highlights:
Hiring for Personality at Google: Discussing the shift towards valuing personality over just skills in recruitment practices.
Dogs Detecting PTSD: A groundbreaking study reveals how dogs might help revolutionise the approach to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Overemployed Trend: Examining the rise of individuals taking on multiple jobs and its implications.
Creating Positive Work Cultures: Insights on building workplaces where civility and diversity thrive over hustle culture.
Listener Questions: Addressing your queries on navigating workplace challenges and creating environments where everyone can succeed.
Remember, this is your Tuesday episode – a blend of the latest in workplace trends, listener questions, and expert insights. Don't miss our regular Thursday episodes for more in-depth discussions with leading experts in the field.Links Mentioned
Article on Google's 'new' hiring strategy: https://www.inc.com/kelly-main/googles-undercover-hiring-strategy-is-working-to-create-a-more-positive-productive-workplace.html
Is 'over-employed' a new trend? https://www.yourtango.com/career/overemployed-man-fired-using-mouse-jiggler-work-multiple-jobs-once
Pre-order Isabel's amazing book: https://amzn.eu/d/fLXwAoO
General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/Chapters00:00 Unveiling the Magic of Exceptional Performance00:21 Welcome to Truth, Lies, and Work: A Fresh Perspective00:58 Tuesday vs. Thursday: Choose Your Vibe01:38 Diving into Workplace Culture with Virtual Callers02:10 Google's Hiring Evolution: Skills vs. Personality03:44 The Pitfalls of Personality Inventories in Recruitment05:55 The Power of Civility and Diversity in Teams09:14 Service Dogs: A New Frontier in PTSD Support12:36 The Ethical Dilemma of Being Over-Employed17:37 Recapping the Future of Work Series21:03 The Workplace Surgery: Addressing Your Concerns28:07 Wrapping Up


