Monster in My Closet: Workplace Fears and Follies

Anil Saxena and Morgan Hunter
Monster in My Closet: Workplace Fears and Follies

Dive into "Monster in My Closet: Workplace Fears and Follies," where we unravel the spooky side of office dynamics. Our hosts, experienced in business and talent strategy, dissect complex leadership challenges, the nuances of giving and receiving feedback, and common startup pitfalls. Each episode delivers actionable insights paired with a dose of humor, empowering you to transform workplace fears into wins. Join us for candid discussions that cut through corporate politics and equip you with the tools for success. Subscribe and turn workplace woes into triumphs.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Banshee of Bias

    In this episode titled "Banshee of Bias," we pierce through the veils of workplace bias to confront its chilling effects on decision-making. Venture into the ghostly realms where biases whisper false narratives, distorting reality and undermining your professional judgments. Join us as we learn to silence these spectral sounds and soundproof our decision-making processes against the eerie cries of bias. Understanding Cognitive Biases in the Workplace: An overview of the common biases that skew workplace decisions and how to identify them. Recognizing Personal Biases: Tools and techniques for self-reflection to detect and understand one's own biases. Strategies for Mitigating Bias: Practical steps and best practices to minimize bias in workplace interactions. Morgan and Anil delve into the shadowy corners of cognitive biases in the workplace. They explore how unchecked biases can haunt our decisions, leading to poor outcomes and inefficiencies. The conversation navigates through the types of biases most prevalent in professional settings and offers insights on combating them through self-awareness and methodical thinking. Identify and understand the pervasive nature of cognitive biases and their impact on professional environments. Equip yourself with strategies to recognize and counter personal biases, fostering more objective and fair decision-making. Implement actionable steps to cultivate a workplace culture that prioritizes critical thinking and minimizes bias. Access the full show notes and dive deeper into mastering the art of bias-free decision-making at https://www.medusaas.org/podcasts. Tune in to fortify your defenses against the spectral influences of bias and enhance your professional integrity and effectiveness.

    32 min
  2. 7 NOV · BONUS

    The Importance of Mission, Vision, and Values

    Step into the foggy forest of mission, vision, and values in this spine-tingling episode of Monster in My Closet – Into the Shadows! Join hosts Anil Saxena and Morgan Hunter as they uncover the secrets of strong company culture with Jon Reynolds, SVP of Alliances, Innovation, and Corporate Development at Thirdera. Jon guides us through the eerie maze of building values that don’t just haunt the walls but truly anchor and empower a company. From establishing values that resonate authentically to fostering alignment across distributed teams, this conversation dives into the powerful impact of mission-driven leadership. Jon also shares his own entrepreneurial journey, the importance of adaptability, and the challenges of harmonizing values during times of growth and acquisition. If you've ever wondered how to escape the haunted woods of corporate confusion, this episode is your map to a thriving, value-driven culture. Episode Insights: Values are a company’s true foundation, not just words on a wall. Authentic values fuel stronger culture and better decision-making. Navigating change and acquisitions requires adaptability and alignment. Employee buy-in is essential for making values come to life. Clear communication supports a distributed workforce and enhances engagement. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or part of a global team, tune in to uncover how mission, vision, and values can help your organization find its way out of the corporate fog and into a culture of clarity and strength. Find the full show notes and more at https://www.medusaas.org/podcasts.

    42 min
  3. 5 NOV

    The Grim Reaper of Resilience

    In the shadowy corridors of the workplace, the Grim Reaper of Resilience is always lurking, ready to pounce on the unprepared with the chilling touch of unexpected challenges. This episode, titled "The Grim Reaper of Resilience," delves deep into the murky waters of workplace resilience. Our hosts Anil Saxena and Morgan Hunter light the way through the fog, revealing how to fend off this spectral menace with sharp critical thinking, unwavering accountability, and strategic uncertainty management. Join us as we learn to craft invincible armor out of wisdom and wit, turning potential despair into triumphant strategy. Topics to Discuss: Macro-Resiliency vs. Micro-Resiliency: Dive into the nuances of resilience, comparing long-term recovery strategies with the need for instantaneous reaction to unexpected challenges. Common Distractions That Inhibit Work Performance: Uncover how emotions like anger, fear, and regret can cloud judgment and hinder performance, and discuss ways to master these feelings to maintain professional focus. Steps to Improve Micro-Resiliency at Work: Provide actionable advice and practical steps to bolster mental preparedness and enhance focus in fast-paced business environments, ensuring you're armored against the day-to-day battles of corporate life. Full Show Notes and More: Discover comprehensive strategies, delve into in-depth discussions, and equip yourself with the tools you need by visiting our show notes at Medusaas.org/podcasts. Join us for "The Grim Reaper of Resilience" and transform the way you tackle work's most daunting challenges—because in the world of business, it's not just about surviving, but thriving!

    33 min
  4. 29 OCT

    God of the Gaps: Unveiling Workplace Illusions

    Dare to delve into the shadowy corners of your workplace with "God of the Gaps." Join hosts Anil Saxena and Morgan Hunter as they expose the specters of magical thinking that haunt corporate corridors. From neglecting critical details to filling knowledge gaps with baseless optimism, this episode unpacks how such practices can transform minor oversights into major catastrophes. No amount of pixie dust can substitute for solid reasoning and strategy—prepare to arm yourself with the tools to challenge and overcome the allure of convenience thinking. Topics to Discuss: The Importance of Critical Thinking: How embracing skepticism and evidence-based reasoning can close dangerous gaps in workplace understanding. Accountability and Responsibility in Decision Making: The role of meticulous detail management in preventing operational nightmares. Conquering Uncertainty with Strategy: Techniques for replacing wishful thinking with actionable, robust planning in unpredictable business environments. Key Takeaways: Recognize and Resist Magical Thinking: Identifying where gaps in knowledge are filled with unfounded assumptions. Cultivate a Culture of Accountability: Ensuring that every team member understands and embraces their role in detail-oriented processes. Strategic Uncertainty Management: Implementing tools and methodologies that reduce reliance on guesswork and fortify decision-making frameworks. Visit Medusaas.org/podcasts for full show notes and dive deeper into how to dispel the myths that might be undermining your team’s success.

    29 min
  5. 15 OCT

    Plagues of Locus

    In this spine-tingling special episode of "Monster in My Closet," titled "Plagues of Locus," hosts Anil Saxena and Morgan Hunter navigate the eerie territories of blame and control. They explore the ancient specters of excuse-making that haunt every level of personal and professional life, illustrating how an external locus of control can create a bottomless pit of blame and helplessness. This episode will unravel the cobwebs around the psychological underpinnings of locus of control, demonstrate its profound impact on workplace dynamics, and offer enchanting strategies to shift towards personal empowerment. Topics to Uncover: Defining Locus of Control: Delve into the shadowy realms of internal and external locus of control, uncovering their psychological roots and eerie manifestations. Haunting Effects on the Workplace: Explore how an external locus of control casts dark spells over job performance and workplace harmony, summoning a culture of blame. Banishing the External Blame: Conjure up practical magic to transition from an external to an internal locus of control, empowering individuals to seize control of their fates and dispel feelings of powerlessness. For those daring enough to face their own shadows, join us as we light the torches to guide you through these dark corridors. Find the full show notes and more bewitching details at https://www.medusaas.org/podcasts. Don't miss this haunting journey into the heart of personal and professional transformation.

    27 min
  6. Office Bound: The RTO Controversy

    10 OCT · BONUS

    Office Bound: The RTO Controversy

    In this spine-chilling special episode of "Monster in My Closet," join Anil Saxena and Morgan Hunter as they delve into the eerie corridors of Return to Office (RTO) mandates. These mandates, as shadowy as a fog-laden graveyard, have sparked fear and debate across industries. Listen as we dissect why these sweeping decisions may haunt our work lives by stripping away autonomy and potentially transforming leaders into specters of control. This discussion will expose the hidden motives behind the push for office returns and debate whether collaboration requires such draconian measures. Key Topics for Discussion: Autonomy vs. Authority: How do RTO mandates impact individual autonomy and reshape the dynamics of team productivity? The Ghost of Productivity Past: Is the rationale behind RTO mandates based on visibility rather than actual output? What are the repercussions for creativity and innovation? A New Spell for Collaboration: Can organizations weave a culture of cooperation without mandatory office incantations? Exploring viable alternatives to conventional workplace norms. Recent Research & Examples: Rising Resignations: According to Gartner, stringent RTO mandates have sparked an exodus among high-performing employees, notably impacting diversity within the workforce. Visibility vs. Value: Findings from BambooHR indicate that 42% of employees see RTO more about managerial surveillance than enhancing productivity. Innovation at Risk: Data from the University of Chicago suggest senior staff are fleeing due to inflexible RTO policies, potentially draining companies of invaluable experience and innovative capacity. Profitability Phantom: Reports by The Register reveal no substantial profit gains from enforced office returns, challenging traditional business models. Full Show Notes Available At: Medusaas.org/podcasts Key Takeaways: Autonomy in the workplace fosters innovation—don't let RTO mandates haunt your team's spirit. Real productivity isn't about the place; it's about the pace and peace employees need to thrive. Exploring flexible alternatives could be the silver bullet to keep your team happy and harmonious. Join us on October 17th for this spectral session of "Office Bound: The RTO Controversy," where we unearth whether the corporate world should cling to the past or embrace a more liberated future.

    38 min

About

Dive into "Monster in My Closet: Workplace Fears and Follies," where we unravel the spooky side of office dynamics. Our hosts, experienced in business and talent strategy, dissect complex leadership challenges, the nuances of giving and receiving feedback, and common startup pitfalls. Each episode delivers actionable insights paired with a dose of humor, empowering you to transform workplace fears into wins. Join us for candid discussions that cut through corporate politics and equip you with the tools for success. Subscribe and turn workplace woes into triumphs.

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada