Truth, Lies and Work

HubSpot Podcast Network
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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.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Only Two Job Titles: How to Flatten Your Entire Company (And Why It Works), with GentleForces Founder and CEO, Danni Mohammed

    Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioral science meets workplace culture, brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. This week, Al and Leanne are joined by Danni Mohammed, founder of the creative and innovation practice Gentle Forces. Danni has spent her career at some of the world’s most iconic agencies—including Saatchi & Saatchi and WPP—but she’s now doing something genuinely radical: running a global innovation firm with just two job titles. Danni explores why traditional hierarchies might be holding your team back, how to balance the "chaos" of creativity with the "order" of delivery, and why her team describes their workplace as "calm" despite tackling some of the biggest brand challenges on the planet. 🔥 Inside the Episode 1. The "Two Title" Experiment Danni explains her hatred for traditional job titles, arguing they limit potential and feed egos rather than focusing on the work. At Gentle Forces, you are either a Practice Lead or a Practitioner. We dive into how this structure provides clarity without the restrictive walls of a traditional corporate ladder. 2. Balancing Chaos and Order In the creative world, comfort is the enemy of freshness. Danni discusses her philosophy of "getting comfortable with the uncomfortable" and how she uses a "diverge and converge" process to ensure that big, chaotic ideas eventually turn into tangible, high-scale deliverables for clients. 3. "Night Vision" and Innovation Described by peers as having "night vision"—the ability to see possibilities where others see darkness—Danni shares her experience founding WPP Black Ops. She reveals how this "speedboat" model allowed her to drive massive innovation for brands like SK-II and the Tokyo Olympics by ignoring traditional setups. 4. A Culture of Calm Perhaps the most surprising takeaway is that despite a process built on friction and interrogation, her team consistently describes the culture as "calm." Danni explains how removing unnecessary politics and "ego-feeding" titles creates a safe, open environment where people are proud to build something different. 🧠 Key Lessons for Leaders Structure for Output: Don't inherit your industry's habits. Ask if your current titles are defining roles or just defining limits. Embrace Interdisciplinary Thinking: Move beyond simple collaboration to a space where different disciplines work together to create something entirely new. Practice Over Agency: Why viewing your work as a "practice" encourages continuous learning and keeps the "ceiling" off your team's growth. 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork – Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott – Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne – Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com – Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Connect with Danni Mohammed: – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannimohammed – Website: https://gentleforces.com Mental health support UK & ROI — Samaritans Call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org UK — Mind Call 0300 123 3393 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk US — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org Australia — Lifeline Call 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au Global helplines https://findahelpline.com Truth, Lies & Work is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.

    47 min

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    Is your A.I. getting 'token anxiety'? PLUS! Sh*tcuts, Sweden’s empty offices and the truth about vulnerable leadership, with Live+Work More Human Podcast hosts, Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke

    Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. This week is a very special "cross-over" episode as we are joined by Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke, hosts of the Live+Work More Human podcast. Together, we tackle the "bums on seats" myth, the stress of AI limits, and why being a "vulnerable" leader is more nuanced than you think. 🔥 Stories Covered 1. The "Sh*tcut": When Speed Kills Quality Leanne introduces a new term from James Hardie: the sh*tcut. While a shortcut is a disciplined way to save time while protecting quality, a shtcut* is moving faster by skipping the essential thinking and checks. We discuss why businesses fall into this trap and how to use the C Method (Clarity, Checks, and Consequences) plus Courage to avoid it. Read more here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/really-shortcut-shtcut-james-hardie-rouye/?trackingId=aTyABh%2F%2BTgCbctmdoTx97w%3D%3D 2. The 4:30 PM Empty Office Sally shares a viral story of an Indian tech professional in Sweden who was stunned to find her office completely vacant by 4:30 PM. In Sweden, the emphasis is on quality of work over "warming a chair." We dive into why the "always-on" badge of honor is a recipe for burnout and why recovery must be treated as a professional norm. Watch the video: https://www.google.com/search?q=viral+video+of+swedish+office&oq=viral+video+of+swedish+office&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRiPAtIBCDQzNDlqMGo5qAIAsAIB&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:d0449930,vid:iMc8VrcsfQs,st:0 Read the story: https://www.ndtv.com/feature/empty-office-at-4-30-pm-indian-techie-highlights-swedens-work-culture-11275625 3. Token Anxiety: The New AI Stress Al reveals a bizarre new workplace stress: Token Anxiety. Whether it's watching your daily AI allowance creep up or feeling guilty that your AI isn't "working" while you sleep, it's a very modern FOMO. Interestingly, research shows that even AI models start to produce "sloppy code" and cut corners when they near their context limits—just like an overworked human on a Friday afternoon. 🧠 Truth or Lie: Does Vulnerability Make You a Better Leader? Alexis puts the "vulnerability" gospel to the test. While popular, the research shows it’s a double-edged sword. The Truth: Sharing critical feedback about your own performance builds psychological safety. The Lie: "Willy-nilly" oversharing without strategy signals incompetence. The Verdict: Leadership vulnerability only works when paired with discernment, humble self-assessment, and a clear plan for growth. 💬 Workplace Surgery Our panel of four experts answers your burning questions: Leading through your own burnout: How do you support a team when you’re running on empty? Sally suggests seeking outside help pronto and putting on your own oxygen mask first. Leading culture "uphill": What to do when the organization rewards speed but you want to protect your team? Lex discusses creating a "micro-culture" and using the language of business to defend boundaries. The "Hiring Like Me" Trap: Why hiring for "culture fit" often leads to groupthink and how to move toward "culture add." 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork – Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott – Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne – Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com – Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Connect with our Guests – Alexis Zahner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiszahner/ – Sally Clarke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyclarkeevolve/ – Website: https://liveandworkmorehuman.com/ Mental health support UK & ROI — Samaritans Call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org UK — Mind Call 0300 123 3393 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk US — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org Australia — Lifeline Call 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au Global helplines: https://findahelpline.com Truth, Lies & Work is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.

    53 min

  3. 9 APR

    They Said "One Minute Manager" Would Embarrass Him. It Sold 15 Million Copies, With Martha Lawrence

    Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning workplace podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. Ken Blanchard was told in college he couldn't write. His graduate professors said he lacked academic ability. When he finished The One Minute Manager, his colleagues warned him it would embarrass him professionally. It went on to sell 15 million copies and become one of the most influential business books ever written. In this episode, we sit down with Martha Lawrence — editor, novelist, and the woman who spent 22 years working directly alongside Ken Blanchard. Martha recently wrote his biography, Catch People Doing Things Right, and she's here to share what she learned about the man, the philosophy, and why his ideas matter more than ever in today's leadership landscape. 📖 What We Discuss with Martha Lawrence 1. The Book That Broke the Rules In 1982, business books were dense, academic, and hundreds of pages long. Ken Blanchard wrote a 100-page parable — and invented an entirely new category. Martha explains how a chance meeting at a cocktail party led to one of the most counterintuitive publishing decisions in history, and why Ken's colleagues thought it would ruin his reputation. 2. Leading With Love — What It Actually Means "Leading with love" sounds soft. It isn't. Martha unpacks what Ken really meant: getting yourself out of the way so other people can be magnificent. She explains why this philosophy is harder to execute than command-and-control leadership — and why it produces better results. 3. EGO = Edging Good Out In a world of loud, aggressive, title-obsessed leaders, Ken had a different definition of ego. Martha shares how his father's advice on the day he became seventh grade class president shaped his entire leadership philosophy — and why people follow leaders they trust, not leaders with impressive job titles. 4. What He Did With a Tape Recorder Two stories from Martha's biography that stop you in your tracks: what Ken did when an employee's widow visited the office, and what he did the night his own father was dying. Both reveal the difference between someone who talks about values and someone who actually lives them. 5. The 9/11 Test After 9/11, the Blanchard organisation was losing millions. The leadership team discussed layoffs for the first time in company history. What Ken did next is one of the most striking examples of transparent, human leadership you'll hear — and it ended with the whole company in Maui. 🔗 Connect with Martha Lawrence Website: https://www.marthalawrence.com Ken Blanchard's books: https://www.kenblanchardbooks.com Blanchard organisation: https://www.blanchard.com 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Truth, Lies & Work is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.

    47 min

  4. 7 APR

    Is money the best motivator? PLUS! Londonmaxxing, hustling after 40 and The Deliberate Manager, featuring Dr Jake Tuber

    Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioral science meets workplace culture. This week, we are joined by special guest Dr. Jake Tuber, an organizational psychologist, executive coach, and founder of Ticon Advisory, recently named one of the Leadership Center for Excellence’s 40 Under 40. In this episode, we explore the surprising power of "Londonmaxxing," why hustle culture might be a young person's game, and whether money is actually the best way to get your team to perform. 🔥 Stories Covered 1. Is "Londonmaxxing" the Secret to Rapid Growth? Some UK entrepreneurs are moving back into the office—but not for the reason you think. "Londonmaxxing" is the practice of being in close physical proximity to other ambitious, high-growth businesses to accelerate your own success. We look at an office block in Southwark where 13 companies are collectively turning over £150 million simply by sharing a kitchen and a vibe. 2. Is Hustle Culture Just a Young Person's Game? We’ve all heard the "rise and grind" mantras, but research suggests that after 40, your "capacity" hasn't changed—your stakes have. We discuss why mid-life professionals often trade intensity for sustainability and why "running out of juice" is actually just a sophisticated risk assessment by your brain. 🧠 Truth or Lie: Is Money the Best Motivator? Dr. Jake Tuber leads us through a deep dive into the psychology of compensation. While performance-based pay can drive results, it isn't always the "best" way to inspire your team. The Pro: Money increases perceptions of fairness and works well for simple tasks with a clear line of sight. The Con: For knowledge work and creative tasks, performance-based pay can actually lower motivation if it feels controlling or manipulative. The Verdict: It's a "hygiene factor." You need enough to mitigate dissatisfaction, but true flourishing comes from autonomy, meaning, and recognition. 💬 Workplace Surgery This week, Al, Leanne, and Dr. Jake tackle three tough listener questions: AI Skills vs. Experience: Should you follow Reddit’s lead and hire graduates because they are "AI-native," or is judgment still king? Disappearing Values: What do you do when your company’s EDI commitments quietly vanish from the website and the lead role isn't replaced? The "Accidental Manager" Trap: Why do 82% of managers get promoted without any training, and how do you navigate performance issues and conflict when you've been left to figure it out alone? 🤝 Connect with Dr. Jake Tuber LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaketuber/ Website: www.ticonadvisory.com Podcast (Forces at Work): https://forcesatwork.transistor.fm/ Special Offer: Dr. Jake is offering our listeners six months of free access to his Substack, Workwise. Use this link to claim: https://workwise.substack.com/1e481d0b 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork – Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott – Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne – Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com – Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Mental health supportUK & ROI — Samaritans Call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.orgUK — Mind Call 0300 123 3393 or visit https://www.mind.org.ukUS — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.orgAustralia — Lifeline Call 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.auGlobal helplineshttps://findahelpline.com Truth, Lies & Work is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.

    1hr 9min

  5. 3 APR

    LIVE! Employee engagement in times of crisis (why bother?), with Jeffrey Fermin and Kristien Turner

    Welcome back to a special live edition of Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioral science meets workplace culture. This episode is brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. In this panel discussion, hosts Leanne Elliott (Chartered Occupational Psychologist) and Al Elliott (Business Owner) are joined by two industry titans to discuss the "doom and gloom" currently permeating the global workforce. Joining the conversation are: Christian Turner: CEO of TK Talent Group, HR veteran with over 100,000 hires under his belt, and Harvard-educated organizational psychologist. Jeffrey Fermin: Employee engagement expert, founding member of Officevibe, and current lead at All Voices. 🔥 Topics Covered 1. The "Job Hugging" Phenomenon Low turnover doesn't always equal high engagement. We explore why employees are "hugging" their current roles out of fear rather than loyalty. Christian explains why disengaged employees might give high survey scores just to "not rock the boat" while secretly planning their exit. 2. Redefining Engagement Metrics Is your expensive employee survey actually telling you anything? The panel discusses why leaders should focus on two "acid test" metrics: Hiring Metrics: If you can’t attract talent easily, your organization may no longer be attractive. Glassdoor: Why ignoring your "TripAdvisor for work" is a fatal mistake for HR teams. 3. The Commercial Case for Culture Investing in people is a commercial necessity. Research shows organizations in the top 25% of engagement scores enjoy 22% higher profitability and 21% higher productivity during economic recoveries compared to those at the bottom. 4. AI: Amplifier or Replacer? We tackle AI anxiety head-on. Jeffrey argues that AI should be a tool to automate manual tasks so humans can get back to "human skills" like empathy and critical thinking. Christian warns that in a world of "AI gobbledygook," your "super skill" is what keeps you relevant. 🧠 Key Takeaways for Leaders The "Canceller" Habit: One of the fastest ways to trigger "quiet quitting" is for managers to consistently cancel weekly one-on-ones. HR is Marketing: Your employees are an extension of your consumer brand. If your internal culture is toxic, your external product will eventually suffer. Open the Gags: 90% of companies over 50,000 people lack an employee advocacy program. Trusting your people to use their own voice on LinkedIn pays dividends. 🎙️ Guest Connections Christian Turner – Website: https://tktalentgroup.com/ – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristienturner/ Jeffrey Fermin – Website: https://www.allvoices.co – Socials: @fermintalkswork (IG, TikTok, YouTube) – LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jfermin 🤝 Credits A special thanks to our Associate Producer, Georgia Hodkinson. – Connect with Georgia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-hodkinson-gmbpss/ 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork – Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott – Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne – Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com – Find out how we can support you: https://oblonghq.com/ – Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Mental health support UK & ROI — Samaritans Call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org UK — Mind Call 0300 123 3393 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk US — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org Australia — Lifeline Call 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au Global helplines https://findahelpline.com

    1hr 13min

  6. 2 APR

    The Canary in the Coal Mine: What Autistic Employees Reveal About Your Workplace, with BPS President Elect, Dr Laura Dean

    Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning workplace podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. Today, April 2nd, 2026, marks World Autism Day. Statistically, if you have 70 employees, at least one is likely autistic—whether they have disclosed it to you or not. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Laura Dean, a chartered occupational psychologist, President-Elect of the British Psychological Society, and a leading expert on neurodiversity. Laura explains why building a workplace that works for autistic employees isn't just about "being nice"—it’s about high-performance system design that makes work better for everyone. 🧠 What We Discuss with Dr. Laura Dean 1. The "Canary in the Coal Mine" Laura introduces a powerful framing: autistic employees are the "canaries" of the workplace. The environmental stressors that cause burnout in autistic people—such as ambiguous instructions or rigid social rules—impact the efficiency of your entire workforce; they just impact neurodivergent individuals first. 2. Moving Beyond the "Superpower" Narrative While it’s often intended as a compliment, framing autism as a "superpower" can be damaging. It reduces people to their "usefulness" to capitalism rather than seeing them as whole human beings. Laura explains why we should value people for who they are, not just for their pattern recognition or logical skills. 3. The Myth of the Empathy Deficit One of the biggest lies about autism is that autistic people lack empathy. Laura breaks down the difference between Cognitive Empathy and Affective Empathy, explaining why autistic people often have a heightened sense of justice and care. 4. System Design vs. Special Treatment Inclusion shouldn't be hidden behind a diagnosis. Laura argues for Universal Design: clear written instructions, flexible hours to avoid "sensory hell," and quiet spaces for decompression. These aren't "special favors"—they are the hallmarks of a well-run business. 🚀 Three Takeaways for Leaders Stop Gatekeeping Support: Don't wait for a formal disclosure to help your team. Ask everyone what they need to do their best work. Fix the Environment, Not the Person: Predictability and sensory-friendly spaces make your whole team more effective and less likely to burn out. Drop the Superpower Label: Framing autism as a superpower reduces people to their utility. Focus on creating environments where they can simply be themselves. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Laura Dean LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauradean1/⁠ 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork⁠ – Al Elliott: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott⁠ – Leanne Elliott: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne⁠ – Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com – Book a call: ⁠https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat⁠ Mental health support UK & ROI — Samaritans Call 116 123 or visit ⁠https://www.samaritans.org⁠ UK — Mind Call 0300 123 3393 or visit ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk⁠ US — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 or visit ⁠https://988lifeline.org⁠ Australia — Lifeline Call 13 11 14 or visit ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠ Global helplines: ⁠https://findahelpline.com⁠ Truth, Lies & Work is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.

    51 min

  7. 31 MAR

    The pink ice cream maker disaster. PLUS! A.I. assistants, the glass cliff and managing friends at work.

    Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning workplace podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. In this episode of This Week in Work, we tackle the overwhelm of 2026, explore a "hallucination-free" AI tool, and investigate if women are being set up for failure in leadership. 🔥 Stories Covered 1. Reclaiming Your "Psychological Sovereignty" Feeling overwhelmed by the 2026 news cycle and the breakneck speed of life? Leanne introduces the concept of Psychological Sovereignty, based on the work of Dr. Emma Seppälä. It’s about regaining control over your attention and agency rather than being pulled by external chaos. The Big Mistake: Believing you just have to "push through". The Dos: Quiet your nervous system twice a day, move your body, hydrate, and protect your sleep. The Don’ts: Don’t run on empty, overschedule, or stay glued to negative news 24/7. Source: Emma Seppälä, PhD (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaseppala/) | Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/feeling-it/202603/5-foolproof-ways-to-protect-your-sanity-in-a-crazy-world) 2. NotebookLM: Your Personal AI "Mike Ross" Al shares his "love letter" to NotebookLM, a free tool by Google that acts as a personal assistant that never hallucinates. By grounding the AI only in your uploaded documents, you can synthesize months of notes in minutes, create study guides, or even generate a podcast "Audio Overview" of your reports. 3. Inclusion or Insult? The Pink Ice Cream Maker Fiasco A law firm’s International Women’s Day gift of pink ice cream makers has sparked a debate on "performative inclusion". DEI expert Catherine Garrod weighs in on why gimmicks fail and how to move toward real impact—like parental leave and fair progression—instead of branded kitchen appliances. Source: Catherine Garrod on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinegarrod/) 🧠 Truth or Lie: The Glass Cliff Is it true that when women finally break the glass ceiling, they are handed leadership roles that are already failing? The Evidence: Research from the University of Exeter suggests that companies are more likely to appoint women to boards following periods of poor share price performance. The Verdict: TRUTH. While real-world corporate data is complex, experimental evidence consistently shows a tendency to select women for precarious roles—often as a signal for change or, more darkly, as a potential scapegoat. 💬 Workplace Surgery This week, we answer three listener dilemmas: The Undermining Friend: How do you manage a close friend who now reports to you and has started making dismissive jokes in meetings? The Cash Resentment: Should you be worried if your team sees the company has healthy cash reserves? The Benefits Balance: How do you strike the balance between being a good employer (wellbeing days, stipends) and keeping the business sustainable? 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork – Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott – Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne – Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com – Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Mental health support UK & ROI — Samaritans Call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org UK — Mind Call 0300 123 3393 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk US — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org Australia — Lifeline Call 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au Global helplines https://findahelpline.com Truth, Lies & Work is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.

    53 min

  8. 26 MAR

    What if A.I. is Fairer Than Humans? The Truth About Bias in Recruitment, with Kate Young, Head of People Science at Sapia.ai

    Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning workplace podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. This week, we’re diving into the high-stakes world of recruitment. If you’ve ever hired someone who looked perfect on paper but failed on day one, this episode is for you. Most businesses are making hiring decisions based on fundamentally broken data: the CV. This week, we are joined by Kate Young, Head of People Science at Sapia.ai. As an occupational psychologist, Kate is on a mission to move recruitment away from "gut instinct" and toward a valid, fair, and defensible science. We dive into the "painful" reality of traditional job analysis—like Kate’s 6:00 AM flight to Munich to shuffle cards with 30 stakeholders for eight hours—and how AI has condensed that process into 90 minutes of high-precision data. In this episode, we explore: The Job Analysis Revolution: Why "measuring what matters" is the only way to avoid doubling down on hiring errors. The Death of the CV: Why Sapia.ai prefers "blind" chat interviews where every candidate gets an equal shot to tell their story. De-biasing the Process: How to strip "ableist" and majority-group language out of job descriptions to find the best talent. The "Human in the Loop": Why AI isn't replacing psychologists, but rather acting as an amplifier for better, fairer decisions. Candidate Experience: How an automated process can actually achieve a 9/10 satisfaction rate, even for neurodiverse candidates. Key Takeaways for Leaders: Job Analysis is Non-Negotiable: If you don't define what a person actually does all day (the tasks and behaviors), no hiring tool can save you. Standardization = Fairness: Unstructured interviews default to the "loudest voice in the room." Using the same questions for every candidate is the simplest way to reduce bias. No More Ghosting: Using AI at the top of the funnel allows you to provide feedback to every candidate, protecting your employer brand. Connect with Kate Young & Sapia.ai Website: https://www.sapia.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-young-1359483/ Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Mental health support UK & ROI — Samaritans Call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org UK — Mind Call 0300 123 3393 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk US — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org Australia — Lifeline Call 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au Global helplines: https://findahelpline.com Truth, Lies & Work is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.

    51 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    HubSpot Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    295
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022-2026
  • Show Website
    Truth, Lies and Work

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