Workplace Weirdness
Workplace Weirdness
Podcast Description
Welcome to "Workplace Weirdness," the podcast that takes a deep dive into the delightful oddities of office life. Ever wondered why the break room smells like a science experiment or why your boss insists on using 'synergy' in every meeting? We've got you covered!
Join Maya and her revolving door of guest hosts as they unravel the mysteries of cubicle culture and decode the cryptic behaviors of your coworkers. From bizarre email sign-offs to the enigma of office fridge politics, no topic is too weird for us to tackle.
Each week, we'll talk about hot HR topics, answer listener questions and dissect an awkward workplace theme, all while keeping things light, fun, and packed with HR humor. Tune in, because in the world of work, the only thing you can count on is the unexpected!
So, grab your coffee, put your feet up on that ergonomic footrest, and let's get weird at work together. Trust us, it’ll be a productivity boost like no other!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores a range of themes related to office life, including the significance of play in workplace culture, the impact of recognition for Gen Z employees, navigating favoritism and political discussions, and tips for managing micromanagement. Specific episodes cover topics like the three C's of play, the importance of authenticity, and handling awkward moments in professional settings.
Welcome to Workplace Weirdness™, The Non-HR HR Podcast™ that takes a deep dive into the delightful oddities of office life. Ever wondered why the break room smells like a science experiment or why your boss insists on using ‘synergy’ in every meeting? We’ve got you covered!
Join Maya and her revolving door of guest hosts as they unravel the mysteries of cubicle culture and decode the cryptic behaviors of your coworkers. From bizarre email sign-offs to the enigma of office fridge politics, no topic is too weird for us to tackle.
Each week, we’ll talk about hot HR topics, answer listener questions and dissect an awkward workplace theme, all while keeping things light, fun, and packed with HR humor. Tune in, because in the world of work, the only thing you can count on is the unexpected!
So, grab your coffee, put your feet up on that ergonomic footrest, and let’s get weird at work together. Trust us, it’ll be a productivity boost like no other!
Henna Pryor, keynote speaker with two TEDx talks and author of Good Awkward and the upcoming The Signal Gap (out November 10), joins host Maya Kadar Kovalsky to unpack why awkwardness at work is so hard to shake.
Henna shares how growing up as the firstborn child of immigrant parents shaped her interest in fitting in, and explains the signal gap: the distance between the message you intend to send and the one a skeptical, “verify-first” audience actually receives. Together they react to a viral clip of a CEO who says he fired his HR department, with Henna arguing that the signal he meant to send (running lean) is not the one people are hearing.
The conversation also covers how Henna made two career pivots by keeping one foot on the ground, why she dislikes the phrase “pick your brain,” and how to ask for five minutes of someone’s time. Henna answers a Reddit post from someone who wants acquaintances but not work friends, with tips on small talk. Tune in to hear the most awkward elevator story that makes the workplace weird and learn how owning that awkwardness turned it into a connection. Stay Weird!
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Why Workplace Awkwardness Is So Hard to Shake
04:15 – The Signal Gap: Intent vs. Impact in Leadership
11:30 – Viral CEO Reaction: When Internal Messaging Goes Wrong
18:45 – How to Make a Career Pivot Without Risking Stability
25:10 – Stop Saying “Pick Your Brain”: Better Networking Scripts
31:20 – Small Talk for Introverts: Conversational Threading & Boundaries
38:50 – That Utah Elevator Story: Leaning into the Awkwardness
Resources and Links:
***Free for our listeners- the first chapter of Henna’s new book, The Signal Gap: https://www.thesignalgap.com/weirdness
The Official Workplace Weirdness Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/workplaceweirdnesspodcast
Henna Pryor:
· Website: https://pryoritygroup.com/
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennapryor/?hl=en
· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennapryor
Maya Kadar Kovalsky
· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/
Workplace Weirdness™
· Email: [email protected]
· Website: workplace-weirdness.com
· Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod
· Tiktok: @workplaceweirdpod
· Substack: https://workplaceweirdness.substack.com/
Join our YouTube community for exclusive content and more! https://www.youtube.com/@WorkplaceWeirdPod/community
Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.
Disclaimer
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