Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Be Human At Work?

Local Wisdom
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Pinaki Kathiari & Chris Lee challenge traditional best practices in the workplace

  1. 5 HRS AGO

    How to Network at Conferences Without Feeling Awkward | BTS 5 with Rich Dome

    Conferences are not just about the sessions. The real magic often happens in hallway conversations, over coffee, or at the table where someone is sitting alone. In this Between the Seasons episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined by Rich Dome, Senior Director of Partnerships at Local Wisdom, to talk about how to approach conferences with intention. After a busy year of events, the team reflects on what makes an experience meaningful, how to build real relationships, and why networking does not have to feel transactional. Rich shares his “30-second rule” for finding common ground, why listening matters more than pitching, and how to leave conversations with a clear next step. The group also talks about conference anxiety, introversion, and why many of us feel intimidated walking into a room full of strangers. You are not the only one. In this episode, they discuss: • Why the best conference moments rarely happen on stage • How to find common ground quickly and authentically • Advice for introverts and anyone who feels socially anxious • Why you should never lead with a sales pitch • The importance of having a conference playbook • How to turn one conversation into a long-term partnership If you are heading to an event this year, consider this your reminder that relationships are the real ROI. Want to see where you can connect with us in person? Check out our 2026 events calendar. Connect with Rich Dome on LinkedIn If you enjoyed this conversation, follow or subscribe to Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work? for more honest conversations about the human side of work. Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min

  2. FEB 5

    Reddit Work Stories: Why Are Internal Comms KPIs So Hard? | BTS 4

    In this Between the Seasons episode, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee welcome Amanda Todd, Senior Director of Strategic Communications at Temporal Technologies, for a practical and honest conversation about measuring what actually matters in internal communications. The episode kicks off with a Reddit post asking a familiar question: why is it so hard to define meaningful KPIs for internal comms, especially when reporting to executives? From there, the conversation moves beyond open rates and attendance numbers to examine clarity as a powerful indicator of understanding, behavior, and business impact. Amanda shares why clarity is often the missing link between communication activity and outcomes, and how tying comms metrics to strategy, retention, and employee lifetime value can change how leaders see the function. Chris and Pinaki add perspective on leading versus lagging indicators, why executives care more about outcomes than outputs, and how internal comms teams can advocate for their value without burning themselves out. Together, they explore what it means to measure understanding, action, and impact, and why internal communicators deserve credit for the sheer volume and visibility of the work they ship every day. In this episode, they discuss: Why traditional comms metrics fall short with executive audiencesClarity as a measurable driver of performance and retentionLeading vs. lagging indicators in internal communicationsHow to align comms metrics to company strategyWhy internal comms teams should track and own their productivityWhat executives actually care about when it comes to measurementIt’s a grounded, validating conversation for anyone in internal communications who’s ever been told to “just show the numbers” and wondered which ones truly matter.   Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Between the Seasons 01:30 – Introducing Amanda Todd and today’s Reddit post 03:00 – Why comms measurement feels so hard 05:30 – The limits of open rates and attendance metrics 07:30 – Clarity as a meaningful indicator 10:00 – Leading vs. lagging indicators explained 12:30 – What executives actually care about 15:00 – Productivity, visibility, and internal comms burnout 17:30 – Tying clarity to retention and business outcomes 18:45 – Closing thoughts and what’s next Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    19 min

  3. JAN 29

    From Fuzzy Metrics to Real Impact: Making Clarity Measurable | BTS 3

    In this Between the Seasons episode, Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee sit down with Amanda Todd, Senior Director of Communications at Temporal Technologies, to unpack why clarity is one of the most critical outcomes of effective internal communication. Amanda shares her “squiggly” path into internal comms, her belief in honesty as a core communications skill, and how working in complex, fast-growing organizations pushed her to rethink how success is measured. Drawing on research and real-world experience, she explains how she helped build a Clarity Index that turns something often seen as “soft” into a measurable business metric. The conversation explores what it really means to communicate for the receiver, not the sender, why personas matter inside organizations just as much as they do in marketing, and how clarity around strategy, roles, career paths, and culture can directly influence engagement, confidence, and retention. This episode is a grounded, practical look at how internal communicators can move beyond vanity metrics, earn credibility with leadership teams, and advocate for the strategic value of their work.   In this episode, they discuss: Why clarity should be treated as a core communications outcome How honesty builds trust and effectiveness in internal comms What it means to communicate for the receiver, not the sender Using personas to simplify complex organizations How a Clarity Index can turn comms into a measurable business driver The link between clarity, confidence, and employee retention Why internal communicators deserve a seat at the strategy table   Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Between the Seasons and today’s topic 01:45 – Amanda’s squiggly career path into internal communications 03:10 – Navigating complexity and subcultures inside organizations 04:15 – Communicating for the receiver, not the sender 06:00 – Honesty as a core communications skill 07:10 – Introducing clarity as a measurable metric 08:40 – Building a Clarity Index and what it measures 11:30 – Using data to influence executive teams 14:05 – Linking clarity to strategy, engagement, and retention 16:30 – Using clarity data to shape communications strategy 18:20 – Advice for internal communicators measuring clarity 19:45 – Final reflections on clarity and the human side of work Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    21 min

  4. JAN 22

    Reddit Reactions: Laid Off and Asked to Train a Replacement | BTS 2

    In this Between the Seasons episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined by Executive Producer Bree Bartos to try a new format: reading and reacting to real Reddit posts about work. The episode centers on a Reddit story from an IT professional who was laid off and then asked to train their replacement. As the conversation unfolds, Pinaki, Chris, and Bree dig into the emotional weight of layoffs, including anger, grief, humiliation, and the sense of being discarded after years of contribution. Bree brings her own recent layoff experience into the discussion, reflecting on how raw these moments can feel and how difficult it is to separate identity from work when income, stability, and self-worth are suddenly disrupted. Together, they examine why layoffs often feel personal, even when organizations insist they are not. The conversation also turns toward leadership and organizations. What responsibility do companies have once someone is laid off? How can layoffs be handled with more empathy and care? And what does it look like to offboard people in ways that acknowledge both the business reality and the human impact? In this episode, they discuss: Why layoffs are emotionally disruptive and often traumaticBeing asked to train your replacement after being laid offPower, choice, and negotiation during offboardingWhy “not taking it personally” is unrealistic in moments like thisThe emotional gap between organizational decisions and employee experienceWhat more compassionate layoff and offboarding practices could look likeThis episode offers an honest look at a reality many people are facing right now and a reminder that how organizations handle endings leaves a lasting impression. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Between the Seasons 00:40 – Introducing the Reddit reaction format 01:10 – Reading the layoff and replacement training story 02:20 – Emotional reactions to the post 03:45 – Power and negotiation after a layoff 05:15 – Bree reflects on her own layoff experience 07:30 – Why layoffs feel personal and humiliating 09:40 – Leadership blind spots during layoffs 11:30 – Rethinking offboarding and support 13:30 – What more human leadership could look like 14:50 – Closing reflections Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    16 min

  5. JAN 15

    Meet the Human Behind the Pod | BTS 01

    This Between the Seasons episode marks the start of a new chapter for Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work? Hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee introduce Bree Bartos, the new Executive Producer and Editor of Human at Work and Marketing Manager at Local Wisdom. Before diving into Bree’s story, Pinaki and Chris share what listeners can expect from these new, weekly Between the Seasons episodes. Bree then opens up about her path into marketing and storytelling, her experience being laid off alongside her husband, and the shock of losing not just a job, but a sense of identity. Together, they reflect on burnout, rest, and why so many of us tie our worth to our work. In this episode, they discuss: Why Between the Seasons exists and what listeners can expectThe value of unscripted, honest conversationsWhat it feels like to be laid off without closureHow work can quietly become identityThe importance of rest, reflection, and reconnecting with yourselfWhy staying human at work starts with empathyIt’s a grounding, vulnerable start to Between the Seasons and a reminder that behind every role, title, and podcast is a human first.Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Between the Seasons 01:00 – Why this new format exists 02:30 – Introducing Bree and her role behind the pod 04:10 – Bree’s path into storytelling and marketing 07:40 – Being laid off and losing a sense of identity 11:30 – Burnout, rest, and redefining self-worth 13:00 – What’s coming next for Between the Seasons   Stay Human, Stay Curious What part of this conversation resonated with you? Have you ever tied your identity to your job more than you realized? Share the episode, tag us, rate and review, or send it to someone who might need this reminder right now. Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    14 min

  6. SEASON 3 TRAILER

    Trailer: Between the Seasons

    We might be between seasons… but we still have lots to say 🤭 Introducing Between the Seasons – a new, weekly series featuring shorter episodes, honest reactions, and real, unscripted conversations. 🚨 Episode 1 drops next week! Tune in on Thursday, Jan. 15 on your podcast app of choice or on YouTube where you'll finally we able to watch along 🎉  📺 YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gmqaU9Ea 🍎 Apple Podcast: https://lnkd.in/g8nMsp_k 🟢 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gig4-d2h ✨ Everywhere else: https://lnkd.in/e633AD2q Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 min

  7. 2025-08-07

    Ep 10 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Entitled?

    Season 2, Episode 10: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Feel Entitled at Work?   Episode Description Is feeling entitled at work… actually a bad thing? In the Season 2 finale of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee challenge the stigma around workplace entitlement. They explore what happens when expectations don’t match reality when it comes to salary assumptions and generational values to promotions, office return mandates, and even who gets to speak up. Together, they unpack: What “entitlement” really means—and why it’s become a dirty wordWhy everyone feels entitled to something (yes, including employers)The difference between healthy self-worth and toxic expectationsGenerational gaps in defining success, fairness, and work ethicHow social media, corporate culture, and experience gaps shape what people think they deserveWhat to do when you feel undervalued, overworked, or overlookedAnd why the employer-employee relationship should be a mutual exchange, not a power imbalanceIt’s a vulnerable, witty, and wise closer to a season full of deep dives into the human experience at work.  Timestamps 00:00 – Do some generations feel more entitled than others?02:00 – What is entitlement, really? A mismatch between cause and effect04:30 – Remote work expectations and the post-pandemic “entitlement bubble”07:00 – Why confidence isn’t the same as readiness (but both show up at work)09:00 – What are we universally entitled to—and where things get murky11:00 – Gen Z’s idea of financial success vs. other generations13:00 – Culture clashes: Structure vs. flexibility, loyalty vs. opportunity15:00 – Employer entitlement: What companies think they deserve17:00 – The history of employer-employee power dynamics20:00 – What happens when people don’t speak up23:00 – Why confidence + lack of experience ≠ arrogance25:00 – Letting go, letting them fail, and learning from new ways of doing things28:00 – Entitlement ≠ laziness: Grit, effort, and advocating for yourself32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right: Books, tools, and reflections  Wisdom That Feels So Right The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (and TED Talk) Strong, Calm, Confident You by Kelsey Buckholz How Money Works YouTube channel by Darin Soat The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman (for adults and teens) Local Wisdom – Your digital comms partner (like silly putty for your team)   Mic-Drop Moments “Entitlement is a byproduct of belief—belief that your effort deserves a return.” “The problem isn’t entitlement. The problem is when our expectations don’t match someone else’s reality.” “We stay human at work by not letting work dehumanize us.”   Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication   Special Thanks To the people and teams who made Season 2 possible: Brielle Saracini, SBX Productions, and everyone at Local Wisdom. Thank you for helping us stay human while keeping it real.  And to our listeners: thank you for letting us in.   Stay Human, Stay Curious What’s something you feel entitled to—and why? Did this episode make you reflect, nod, or even cringe a little? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share it, tag us, rate us, and visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to learn how we’re bringing these conversations to teams and stages. Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    38 min

  8. 2025-07-24

    Ep 09 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be a Leader?

    Season 2, Episode 9: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be a Leader?   Episode Description We’ve all heard it: “Leadership is lonely.” But is it? And if it is, why do so many people still chase it? In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complex question of modern leadership—what motivates people to lead, what makes leadership feel “wrong,” and how our outdated assumptions about leadership may be holding us all back. From Optimus Prime and parental wisdom to feedback fatigue and executive accountability, this conversation challenges traditional ideas and invites a more human-centered definition of leadership. Together, they unpack: Why people pursue leadership (and what they’re not prepared for)The difference between ambition and accountabilityWhat real influence looks like—and why it often isn’t loudThe cultural myths around “leadership material”Why empathy and emotional intelligence matter more than titlesHow to deal with change fatigue, feedback droughts, and the pressure to be perfectAnd what fictional kings, volleyball teams, and business visionaries can teach us about being a better boss  Timestamps 00:00 – Optimus Prime, Transformers, and the quest for good leadership02:00 – What makes someone “leadership material”? (It’s not what you think)05:00 – The perks vs. the pressure: Why leadership isn’t for everyone07:00 – What studies say motivates people to lead10:00 – Leaders as guardians of people’s lives—not just KPIs12:00 – The weight of being both inspiring and accountable14:00 – History of CEO behavior: From stability to crisis mode17:00 – Trust, ownership, and letting go: What good leaders actually do20:00 – Building diverse teams that don’t all think like you23:00 – Redefining real leadership: Humanocracy and beyond26:00 – Why feedback is vital—and why some leaders hide from it28:00 – The toll of constant change on organizations and people30:00 – Leaders, slow your roll: How too much innovation overwhelms teams32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right: Books, tools, and personal stories  Wisdom That Feels So Right Good to Great by Jim CollinsHumanocracy by Gary HamelReality-Based Leadership by Cy WakemanGallagher 2025 Workforce Trends Report (featuring change fatigue insights)Manager Tools – Practical leadership podcast and resourcesTransform Conference – Spring HR and leadership strategy event  Mic-Drop Moments “When we win, it’s because of the team. When we lose, it’s on me.” “Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s about knowing when to listen.” “Awesome resumes don’t make awesome leaders. Human ones do.”   Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication   Special Thanks Cheers to Local Wisdom , they are spackle for communication teams. For 25 years they've filled talent and technology gaps for the top brands in the world while leading with heart and showing what leadership can really be. Thank you to our producer Brielle Saracini and our partners at SBX Productions for keeping our sound as sharp as our thinking.   Reflect + Share What do you wish leaders understood better? What makes a leader worth following in your experience? We want to hear from you. Tag us, review the show, or send us your “WTF leadership” moments—and don’t forget to visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to bring these convos into your company. Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    37 min
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Pinaki Kathiari & Chris Lee challenge traditional best practices in the workplace

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