Where Work Meets Life™ with Dr. Laura

Dr. Laura
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Bringing you timely insights and inspiration from Dr. Laura and other experts at the intersection of work and life. Topics include thriving organizations, work-life wellness, career fulfillment, and advocating for a better world.

  1. Aug 25

    Life Under a Control Freak Boss: How to Navigate and Regain Your Confidence

    In this solo episode, Dr. Laura explores one of the eight toxic boss personas featured in her book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: the control freak. She explains the important difference between a difficult manager who is learning to delegate and a truly toxic boss whose need for control stems from distrust and a desire to dominate every aspect of our work. From excessive micromanagement to restricting access to people and information, Dr. Laura reveals how this leadership style chips away at confidence and creates chronic anxiety, ultimately leaving us feeling trapped both at work and long after the workday ends. Dr. Laura shares practical strategies for surviving a control freak boss while protecting our wellbeing. She discusses the importance of documenting conversations, using playback techniques to clarify expectations, paying careful attention to details, and maintaining a Plan B when working in an unhealthy environment. Most importantly, she offers hope that recovery is possible. Based on her own experiences and drawing from the stories of toxic boss survivors in her North American research, Dr. Laura explains how confidence can be rebuilt one experience at a time. She assures us that escaping a toxic workplace becomes the beginning of a healthier and more fulfilling career.  "Confidence is like a muscle. Confidence gets developed one experience at a time, one relationship at a time." - Dr. Laura About Dr. Laura: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices (Calgary Career Counselling, Canada Career Counselling, and Synthesis Psychology), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services. Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, is available for purchase on Amazon now. Resources: The Curiosity Shop with Brené Brown and Adam Grant podcast “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube   Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations:  Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Life Under a Control Freak Boss: How to Navigate and Regain Your Confidence

  2. Aug 11

    The Principles of Finding Inner Peace in a Challenging World

    In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Laura welcomes Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman, co-authors of The Peace Guidebook, to explore what it means to cultivate inner peace during uncertain and divisive times. Elizabeth, cofounder of Best Ever You Network and leader in personal development, and Dr. Katie, a grief and change expert and licensed therapist, drew on their experience when the simple but profound question, “What does the world need right now?” led them to create a practical guide for fostering peace from the inside out. Together, they and Dr. Laura explore why peace begins within each of us, how it ripples through our relationships and communities, and why connection, compassion, and understanding are more important than ever.  Dr. Laura examines the challenges of navigating conflict, judgment, grief, workplace tension, and the growing sense of disconnection many of us feel today. Elizabeth and Dr. Katie share practical insights from The Peace Guidebook, including the importance of showing up with love, pausing before reacting, and remembering that every person is carrying struggles we may not see. The conversation offers a hopeful perspective on humanity’s future and practical ways to choose peace, even in difficult moments, while reminding us that meaningful change begins one person at a time.  "I believe that we will get better at inclusivity, diversity, connection, compassion, acceptance, and love. Unconditional love. That is my hope for the world, for the future." - Dr. Katie Eastman "Peace is not a weakness. It's not passive. It's not silence. It's power. And it's our participation." - Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino About Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino: Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is one of the world’s leading voices in personal development and peaceful leadership, inspiring a global movement toward authenticity, compassion, and change. She is a bestselling and award-winning author, certified Master Coach, and cofounder of BEST EVER YOU NETWORK, a global multimedia platform reaching millions. For over two decades, she has helped individuals, teams, and organizations navigate change and cultivate resilience through her compassionate and practical approach to transformation. The author of several acclaimed books, Elizabeth’s work redefines change, success, and peace as daily practices rooted in awareness, aligned action, and shared humanity. With a degree in journalism from St. Ambrose University and leadership studies at Harvard Business School, Elizabeth brings both professional depth and lived experience to her work. Contact: Website: ElizabethGuarino.com Website: Compliance4.com About Dr. Katie Eastman: Dr. Katie Eastman is an internationally acclaimed grief and change expert, licensed therapist, Master Grief Coach, cofounder of Re-Create Coaching and Counseling, and co-author of The Peace Guidebook. With over four decades of experience guiding individuals, families, organizations, and communities through life’s most complex transitions, Dr. Katie Eastman is recognized globally for her unwavering presence, emotional depth, and ability to transform heartbreak into healing. As a speaker, coach, and consultant, Dr. Katie has impacted thousands around the world through her masterful teachings on anticipatory grief, emotional resilience, compassionate leadership, and the psychology of transformation. She is also a passionate voice in the global peace movement, reminding us that peaceful living is not the absence of pain, but the presence of love, self-trust, and human connection. Contact: Website: DrKatieEastman.com   Resources: BestEverYou.com The Percolate Peace Project: PercolatePeace.com The Peace Guidebook: How to Cultivate Hope, Healing, and Harmony for the Good of Humankind by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman Percolate: Let Your Best Self Filter Through by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman Harness Your PromisePower: Change Your Life, Transform the World by Matthew Cossolotto   “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett   Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations:  Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Principles of Finding Inner Peace in a Challenging World

  3. Jul 28

    Servant Leadership: Why Today’s Leaders Must Confront Their Shadows

    In this episode of Where Work Meets Life, Dr. Laura sits down with Dr. Max Klau, author of Developing Servant Leaders at Scale and founder of the Center for Courageous Wholeness, to explore why leadership begins with the courage to look inward. They explore the often overlooked concept of shadow, the parts of ourselves we deny, avoid, or leave unexplored, and how these hidden aspects can influence the way we lead and exercise power. Drawing on decades of experience developing leaders in organizations and public service, Max shares why confronting our shadow is essential for creating more compassionate, grounded, and effective leadership in today's world. Max has worked with organizations, civic leaders, and aspiring public servants, which has led him to understand how servant leadership requires more than good intentions. It calls for an ongoing commitment to self-awareness, humility, and personal growth. He and Dr. Laura discuss the relationship between power and purpose, the difference between leading from service versus ego, and why organizations benefit when leaders are willing to acknowledge both their strengths and their blind spots. Together, they explore how greater compassion and integrity can help create healthier workplaces, stronger communities, and a more hopeful future for our world.  "The most dangerous people are the folks who are absolutely convinced that they are pure light." - Max Klau About Max Klau: Dr. Max Klau is an author, consultant, coach, developmental psychologist, and founder of the Center for Courageous Wholeness. His work sits at the intersection of inner development and service to others, helping organizations and individuals practice shadow-integrated servant leadership. After more than two decades designing transformational leadership development programs at City Year and the New Politics Leadership Academy, Dr. Klau developed an approach that views leadership as a dual journey of both inner and outer change. He believes that integrating personal development with meaningful impact is essential in a time of increasing complexity, uncertainty, and social change. Central to his work is the practice of confronting shadow, the aspects of ourselves we often avoid acknowledging because they make us uncomfortable, yet profoundly influence how we lead and serve. Dr. Klau is the author of Developing Servant Leaders at Scale: How to Do It and Why It Matters, which explores the practical methodology he developed through years of experimentation, innovation, and leadership development practice. The book outlines how organizations can cultivate servant leaders while fostering both personal growth and collective impact. Through the Center for Courageous Wholeness, Dr. Klau offers coaching, retreats, keynote presentations, and organizational consulting, all grounded in the belief that inner and outer change are deeply interconnected. He partners with values-driven organizations, leaders, teams, and communities that are committed to confronting their shadow as they seek to serve others.  Resources: Dr. Max Klau LinkedIn Center for Courageous Wholeness LinkedIn “Developing Servant Leaders at Scale: How to Do It and Why It Matters” by Max Klau “Servant Leadership” by Robert K. Greenleaf  Podcast: Pulling the Thread by Elise Loehnen   “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett   Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live   For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations:  Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Servant Leadership: Why Today’s Leaders Must Confront Their Shadows

  4. Jul 14

    Remaining Resilient Through Rejection in Your Career

    In this solo episode of Where Work Meets Life™, Dr. Laura explores the emotional impact of rejection in today’s difficult job market and shares strategies for staying resilient through career setbacks. Drawing from her experience as a psychologist, entrepreneur, and professional speaker, Dr. Laura speaks candidly about how rejection can hurt our confidence, motivation, and self-esteem. She encourages us to process difficult emotions rather than suppress them, and explains how working through reflection and self-compassion shifts our mindset, which is essential to moving forward after disappointment. Dr. Laura also discusses the importance of networking and human connection during uncertain times. She shares how putting yourself out into the community and building relationships can create opportunities that online applications cannot. From journaling emotions to learning from rejection without dwelling on it, this episode offers grounded advice for navigating setbacks with resilience and hope. Dr. Laura reminds us that rejection may ultimately become preparation for an opportunity that’s a better fit. “Rejection is often preparation. Rejection can be protection as well. Protection against an opportunity that may not have been good for you.” - Dr. Laura About Dr. Laura: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices (Calgary Career Counselling, Canada Career Counselling, and Synthesis Psychology), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services. Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, is available for purchase on Amazon now. Resources: “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations:  Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Remaining Resilient Through Rejection in Your Career

  5. Jun 30

    The Parallels Between Toxic Families and Toxic Workplaces

    Dr. Laura welcomes author, speaker, breathwork coach, and community advocate Josh Connolly to Where Work Meets Life™ for a conversation about the parallels between toxic family systems and toxic workplaces. Josh draws on his own experience growing up with an alcoholic father and later overcoming addiction himself to share how healing started for him. It was truth, a safe community, and reconnecting with self that combined for his renewal. Together, he and Dr. Laura explore how toxic parents and toxic bosses can leave similar emotional wounds that include self-doubt, anxiety, people pleasing, and loss of identity. They discuss boundaries and the importance of reclaiming personal power after unhealthy work or family relationships. Josh explains how dysfunctional family roles often mirror workplace dynamics. Toxic leaders create fear, division, and favoritism that silence curiosity and authenticity, much as a toxic family does. Dr. Laura connects these insights to her work helping clients recover from toxic bosses and rebuild confidence after workplace trauma. The episode highlights the importance of emotional recovery, somatic practices like breathwork, and supportive human connection in leaving behind toxicity. Dr. Laura offers listeners validation and practical hope for healing from toxic relationships both at home and at work. “The best parent, similar to a best leader, is not one who doesn't make any mistakes, but is one that is very approachable. To be able to be open to their own mistakes and open to having conversations, looking for accountability, finding responsibility, and being able to work collaboratively to find a solution.” - Josh Connolly About Josh Connolly: Josh Connolly, an Amazon bestselling author, has taken the mental health world by storm with his groundbreaking book, "It’s Them, Not You: How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your Story." This transformative guide provides readers with essential tools and guided breathwork sessions to overcome toxic family dynamics and heal from past trauma​. Renowned as one of the UK's top mental health advocates,  Josh connects with nearly half a million followers, delivering powerful insights and strategies. His workshops, ranging from local schools to some of the biggest brands in the world, empower individuals to connect deeply with their emotions and intuition. As an ambassador for Nacoa, Josh passionately supports those affected by parental alcohol issues, driving significant advancements in mental health awareness and support. Resources: Website: JoshConnolly.co.uk Instagram: Josh_ffw YouTube: JoshConnolly_FFW Book: “It’s Them, Not You: How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your Story” by Josh Connolly Podcast: Dysfunctional Inner You Breathwork Facilitator Training: become a certified breathwork facilitator, enrollment now open     “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube   Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations:  Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Parallels Between Toxic Families and Toxic Workplaces

  6. Jun 16

    The Power of Human Connection in an AI-Focused World

    Dr. Laura welcomes psychologist, speaker, and bestselling author Dr. Jody Carrington for a powerful conversation on what it means to stay human in an increasingly AI-driven world. Dr. Laura and Jody explore the increasing disconnection people feel in spite of constant digital access. Jody reframes what we label as a mental health crisis as, instead, a deep loneliness epidemic. She shares insights on how technology, social media, and the relentless push for productivity have chipped away at meaningful relationships and emotional regulation. She highlights the essential role of connection in helping individuals and organizations thrive. Dr. Laura and Dr. Carrington also address the urgent need to prioritize emotional regulation skills as a core strategy for leadership, rather than being a secondary consideration. Dr. Carrington offers practical and thought-provoking ways for us to reconnect, from creating tech-free spaces to practicing intentional pauses that restore presence and calm. Together, Dr. Laura and Jody shine a hopeful yet honest light on modern life, emphasizing that tools like AI can create efficiency, but they can’t replace authentic interaction. Dr. Laura’s thoughtful questions guide a rich dialogue on how individuals, leaders, and communities can reclaim connection, support one another, and build environments where people feel seen and valued. “Technology isn’t the problem. How we use it is the issue, and we’re up against it as humans because we are wired for connection.” - Dr. Jody Carrington About Jody Carrington: Dr. Jody Carrington is a powerhouse speaker and fearless champion for authentic human connection. She is highly sought after for her expertise, energy, and genuine approach to helping people solve the most complex human-centred problems. This rapidly disconnected world is leaving so many of us overwhelmed, lonely, and burned out. Dr. Jody boldly believes that all humans have the capacity for good; however, so many of us these days, because of isolation and burnout, have lost access to that good. Dr. Jody’s work often involves understanding just how we got to this disconnected place, what we need to put the pieces back together, and maybe most importantly, how we collectively do "the work" to find our way back home again when (not if) we lose our way. Her authentic, honest, and often hilarious approach never fails to inspire and motivate audiences. Dr. Carrington is the founder and principal psychologist at Carrington & Company, she's written three best-selling books, speaks on hundreds of stages globally each year, and hosts the widely celebrated podcast UNLONELY. In this modern world where we look all the time, but we don't see, where we listen but we don't hear, Dr. Jody is clear on one thing: we were never meant to do any of this alone.  Resources: Website: DrJodyCarrington.com “Feeling Seen” by Jody Carrington, PhD Podcast: Unlonely with Dr. Jody Carrington LinkedIn: Dr-Jody-Carrington YouTube: DrJodyCarrington Jay Baer The Curiosity Shop with Brené Brown and Adam Grant podcast   “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube   Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations:  Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Power of Human Connection in an AI-Focused World

  7. Jun 2

    How to Stay Grounded When the World and Work Feel Unstable

    Dr. Laura offers a reassuring perspective in this solo episode, exploring how to stay grounded when the world and work feel uncertain and overwhelming. Drawing on her experience as a psychologist, she explains how fear can push us into fight, flight, or freeze responses, which ultimately drain energy and disrupt relationships. Dr. Laura brings the focus back to the present moment, encouraging us to reconnect with what’s in our control today instead of getting swept up in global uncertainty and negative news cycles.  Dr. Laura shares practical ways to restore calm and clarity through simple yet powerful practices, including the three W’s of walk, window, and water, which she learned from her friends at CALM. She urges us to reconnect with activities that recharge our personal energy. The importance of setting boundaries with media and social platforms, while cultivating gratitude and self-awareness in daily life, is part of achieving this recharge. With warmth and insight, Dr. Laura reminds us that even in difficult times, small intentional actions help build resilience, restore perspective, and create a sense of peace. “Staying grounded means what can you control today and this week?” - Dr. Laura About Dr. Laura: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices (Calgary Career Counselling, Canada Career Counselling, and Synthesis Psychology), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services. Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, is available for purchase on Amazon now. Resources: “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations:  Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    How to Stay Grounded When the World and Work Feel Unstable

  8. May 19

    A Call for Better Bosses: How to Become a Manager People Want to Follow

    Dr. Laura welcomes executive coach, author, and former Microsoft leader Sabina Nawaz for a discussion on what it really takes to become a manager people want to follow. Drawing from her own experience of shifting from a caring leader to one she no longer recognized under pressure, Sabina shares a deeply human perspective on how pressure, more than power, quietly shapes behavior at work. Dr. Laura and Sabina explore how even the most well-intentioned managers can fall into common traps that limit their teams, including the tendency to take on too much or unknowingly diminish others’ contributions. They invite reflection on how leadership shows up in everyday moments and how small, intentional shifts can transform both personal effectiveness and team culture. Dr. Laura and Sabina unpack practical strategies to navigate busyness, create space for clearer thinking, and build feedback loops that support growth. Sabina introduces the concept of micro habits as a sustainable path to change, along with the importance of intentionally creating blank space to access deeper insight. The conversation also challenges conventional thinking about “leader” as a title, reframing leadership instead as a shared practice that can be activated by anyone. With warmth and professional curiosity, Dr. Laura guides a discussion that highlights how cultivating awareness and letting go of the need to have all the answers can unlock greater potential in managers and their teams. “It is not power that corrupts us. It is pressure, and under pressure we have a choice point.” - Sabina Nawaz About Sabina Nawaz: Sabina Nawaz is an elite executive coach who advises C-level executives and teams at Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions around the world. Sabina routinely gives speeches each year and teaches faculty at Northeastern and Drexel Universities. During her fourteen-year tenure at Microsoft, she went from managing software development teams to leading the company’s executive development and succession planning efforts for over 11,000 managers and nearly a thousand executives, advising Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer directly. She has written for and been featured in Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, NBC, Nasdaq, and MarketWatch. Resources: Website: SabinaNawaz.com Book: “YOU’RE THE BOSS: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need)” by Sabina Nawaz LinkedIn: SabinaNawaz “The Anomaly: A Novel” by Hervé Le Tellier, translated by Adriana Hunter “Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence” by Anna Lembke MD   “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett   Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube   Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations:  Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    A Call for Better Bosses: How to Become a Manager People Want to Follow
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Bringing you timely insights and inspiration from Dr. Laura and other experts at the intersection of work and life. Topics include thriving organizations, work-life wellness, career fulfillment, and advocating for a better world.

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