How To Survive Your Boss

Kiana
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How to Survive Your Boss is a practical podcast about decoding corporate politics and making work work for you. Hosted by Kiana—a strategist who’s navigated the maze from startups to enterprise—each episode blends real stories with expert perspectives (HR leaders, psychologists, managers, employment attorneys, and more) to turn unspoken rules into usable playbooks. We cover managing up, team communication, boundaries, career moves, and mental health with clear language, no gatekeeping, and steps you can use the next day.

  1. JAN 10

    This Job Was a Lesson, and I Graduated - Quitting

    In the explosive season one finale, Kiana and Tara tackle the ultimate workplace power move: quitting. They break down everything from the strategic two-week notice and the burnout bailout to the cathartic rage quit and the modern quiet quit. Drawing from personal horror stories and professional experiences—including counteroffers, toxic managers, and revenge-worthy exit interviews—they provide a raw, practical guide on how to leave a job on your own terms. Learn how to recognize the final red flags, protect yourself legally and financially, and walk away without burning bridges (unless you absolutely need to). This episode is your permission slip to bet on yourself and reclaim your career. 🎤 Know Your Exit Strategy – From the professional (two-week notice) to the passionate (rage quit) to the passive (quiet quitting), understand the pros and cons of every way to leave. 🔥 To Burn or Not to Burn Bridges – Learn when it’s strategic to leave a bridge intact and when lighting it on fire is not only justified but necessary for your well-being. 📄 Protect Yourself, Paper Trails Matter – A crucial checklist for your final days: final paychecks, PTO payout, exit paperwork, and equipment returns. 😮 The Boss’s POV on Being Quit On – Hear firsthand from Kiana about the shock, the guilt trips, and the management lessons learned when employees leave. 💡 Quitting Isn’t Failure, It’s Leveling Up – Debunk the myth that you must have another job lined up. Sometimes, leaving a toxic environment is the most strategic career and health decision you can make. 🚩 Red Flags on Your Way Out – Identify toxic final responses from employers, from guilt-tripping and gaslighting to trash-talking and delaying your final pay. Listen for unforgettable stories, including the hotel pay-stub rage quit, the Slack-message resignation, and the email with the haunting smiley face. If you’re debating quitting, this episode is your sign.

    59 min

  2. 12/23/2025

    You’re Fired: The Truth Your Boss Won’t Tell You - Getting Fired PART 2

    In this episode, Kiana and Tara are back with Part 2 of their boldest conversation yet — all about getting fired. From Kiana’s first nerve-wracking experience firing someone to the lessons she learned after being fired herself, this episode dives deep into the boss’s point of view, real workplace red flags, and how being let go can actually be the best thing that ever happened to you. Whether you’ve been fired, done the firing, or fear it’s coming, this raw and funny conversation will leave you feeling empowered and a little less alone.✨ Learned lessons from both sides of the firing table🔥 What makes a boss decide “it’s time” — and how they prepare💡 Red flags before a firing (and why surprise terminations are toxic)🌱 Why getting fired might be a redirection, not a failure💬 How to handle the emotional aftermath and protect your confidence🚨 Common myths about unemployment and “cause” explained🧠 Kiana’s advice on reframing your firing story to strengthen your careerGetting fired doesn’t have to be the end — it can be your turning point. Tune in to hear Kiana and Tara unpack the uncomfortable truths, find humor in hard moments, and remind you to always keep your receipts and trust your gut.

    41 min

  3. 12/23/2025

    This Is How People Get Fired Without Seeing It Coming Pt1

    In this episode, Kiana and Tara tackle one of the most anxiety-inducing topics in the workplace — getting fired. From the moment you sense something’s off to the final meeting with HR, this candid and hilarious conversation breaks down how firings really happen, what red flags to watch for, and how to protect yourself legally and financially. They cover everything from employment-at-will laws, performance improvement plans (PIPs), company culture fit excuses, and retaliation and discrimination cases to understanding your rights when it comes to unemployment benefits and severance agreements. Whether you’ve been let go, are worried about being next, or just want to learn how to recognize warning signs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the realities of modern employment. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  💼 Understanding employment-at-will and why you can be fired anytime 🚩 Red flags that signal you might be on the chopping block 📄 What a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) really means ⚖️ Legal considerations: retaliation, discrimination, and your rights 💰 Unemployment benefits and severance — when you qualify and when you don’t 🧠 How to protect yourself: paper trails, reading contracts, and not signing away your rights 😂 Real talk on toxic bosses, scapegoat firings, and “soft” resignations

    54 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    The Real Truth About Layoffs: It’s Not You, It’s the Company

    In this episode, Kiana and Tara dive deep into the realities of getting laid off—what it actually means, how to navigate it, and how it differs from getting fired. They break down everything from severance packages to red flags, and even share the behind-the-scenes perspective of managers and HR. Whether you’ve just been laid off, know someone who has, or want to stay prepared, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and practical advice. Key Takeaways: 🔍 Layoffs ≠ Getting Fired – Understand the legal and emotional differences. 📉 Reasons for Layoffs – Budget cuts, automation, outsourcing, mergers, poor leadership decisions, and more. 🛑 Red Flags – Sudden lockouts, no communication, waves of layoffs without leadership accountability. 🧾 Severance Tips – Why you should never sign on the spot and how to review your separation agreement. 🧠 Mindset Shift – A layoff is not a reflection of your talent or worth. 🧘‍♀️ Processing Emotions – Give yourself time to grieve, regroup, and rebuild confidence. 🧠 HR’s True Role – They're not your therapist—they’re there to protect the company. 🧠 Document Everything – Keep records, download important files, and protect yourself. 📉 Tech Industry Watch – Over 260,000 tech layoffs in 2023. Stay prepared. 🤝 Support Your Peers – Reach out, offer help, and keep networking strong. SEO Keywords: layoffs, tech layoffs, getting laid off, severance package advice, COBRA insurance, WARN Act, HR role in layoffs, workplace red flags, career transition, job loss recovery, layoff survivor’s guilt, workplace automation, job restructuring, employment rights, layoff mental health TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Workplace Separation 01:20 Understanding Layoffs: Causes and Types 16:09 The Layoff Process: What to Expect 29:18 Employer's Perspective on Layoffs 36:25 Generational Perspectives on Work and Layoffs 36:53 Coping with Toxic Work Environments 38:02 Supporting Laid-Off Colleagues 38:39 Understanding Layoffs vs. Firings 42:02 HR's Role in Layoffs 46:53 Red Flags During Layoffs 01:00:20 Survivor's Guilt and Company Culture 01:02:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    1h 7m

  5. 11/25/2025

    Big Promises, Small Deposits – Bonuses

    In this episode of How to Survive Your Boss, Kiana and Tara dive deep into the world of BONUSES — those elusive one-time payouts that can make (or break) your morale and finances. From performance and sign-on bonuses to holiday gifts and red flags, this episode covers it all. Kiana shares insights from her experience as both an employee and a boss, revealing truths most companies don’t tell you. Whether you're negotiating your first job offer or navigating end-of-year reviews, this episode is your go-to guide for making sense of bonus structures — and making sure you’re not leaving money on the table. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 💸 Not all bonuses are created equal — Learn the difference between performance, profit-sharing, sign-on, retention, spot, referral, and discretionary bonuses. 📉 Bonuses aren’t guaranteed — Even if it’s written in your offer letter, it’s often still “discretionary.” 📆 Timing is everything — You usually have to be employed at the time of payout to receive your bonus. 📋 Know the fine print — Watch out for vague language, ever-changing structures, unrealistic goals, and stock-based bonuses with long vesting periods. 🔍 Ask smart questions — Always clarify how bonuses are calculated, who decides them, when they’re paid, and what’s expected of you. 🚩 Red flags to avoid — From inconsistent bonus criteria to “pizza party” culture instead of real compensation, recognize the signs of poor leadership. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Bonuses 00:55 Types of Bonuses 01:06 Performance and Profit Sharing Bonuses 02:53 Sign-On and Retention Bonuses 04:28 Spot and Holiday Bonuses 05:48 Referral and Discretionary Bonuses 07:39 Understanding Bonus Structures 09:43 Boss's Perspective on Bonuses 17:49 Common Misconceptions About Bonuses 25:40 Red Flags in Bonus Agreements 26:09 Understanding Vague Contract Language 26:59 Historical Payouts and Red Flags 28:08 Employment Status and Bonus Payouts 32:25 Discretionary Bonuses and Criteria 37:07 Company Performance-Based Bonuses 38:12 Transparency and Timelines 39:24 Equity and Stock-Based Bonuses 47:30 Changing Bonus Structures 48:46 Final Thoughts on Bonuses

    52 min

  6. 11/11/2025

    Sexier Title… But at What Cost? - Promotions

    In this episode, Kiana and Tara break down the reality of promotions in the corporate world—what they really mean, the types you’ll encounter, how to ask for one, and red flags to watch out for. From vertical moves to honorary pizza party titles, they uncover the strategy, timing, and politics that go into climbing the career ladder. If you're wondering why you're stuck in your role or how to position yourself for growth, this episode is a masterclass in self-advocacy and smart corporate navigation. 🎯 Key Takeaways 🔺 Different Types of Promotions: Vertical, lateral, skills-based, honorary, cross-functional, and more—know the difference to know your worth. 💰 Dry & Title-Only Promotions: Why getting more responsibility without a raise can be a major red flag. 📣 Ask & Advocate: Promotions aren’t handed out—they’re earned through visibility, networking, and strategic self-promotion. 🧠 Mentality Check: Hard work isn’t always enough—timing, perception, and company politics play a huge role. 🚩 Red Flags to Watch: From vague promotion processes to being asked to “act the part” with no reward, learn how to protect your growth. 📊 How to Actually Get Promoted: Volunteer strategically, network across teams, express interest clearly, and document everything. Whether you're early in your career or aiming for that next step up, this episode offers a real-talk guide to navigating promotions like a boss. No fluff—just truth bombs and actionable advice. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 01:00 Types of Promotions Explained 01:32 Vertical and Lateral Promotions 02:23 Dry and Temporary Promotions 03:26 Honorary and Skills-Based Promotions 06:17 Dual Track and Cross-Functional Promotions 07:07 Title Only Promotions and Expanded Scope 08:10 Contractual and Tenure-Based Promotions 17:10 How to Get a Promotion 26:53 Boss POV: Giving Promotions 29:34 The Journey to Management 30:06 Expressing Career Goals 31:42 The Reality of Promotions 35:01 Taking Ownership of Your Growth 39:20 Red Flags in Promotions 52:53 Concluding Thoughts on Promotions

    56 min

  7. 10/28/2025

    Know Your Worth… and Then Add a Zero - Raises

    In this episode,  Kiana and Tara dive deep into the world of raises, breaking down the different types, how they work, and—most importantly—how to advocate for the raise you deserve. From merit-based increases and COLA (cost of living adjustments) to equity grants, spot bonuses, and promotion-related bumps, this episode offers practical advice, entertaining real-life stories, and a healthy dose of corporate reality. Learn how to track your contributions, recognize red flags, and navigate tricky conversations with confidence. If you've ever wondered when—or how—to ask for a raise, this one's for you. 💼 Key Takeaways: 🧠 Understand the Types of Raises: From merit and COLA to promotions, market adjustments, and stock-based compensation. 💰 Raises vs. Bonuses: Spot bonuses may feel rewarding, but they’re not the same as long-term pay increases—know the difference. 🧾 Paper Trail = Power: Track your accomplishments and quantify your contributions to build a strong case. 🔥 Red Flags to Watch: Vague promises, stalled conversations, no transparency, and promotion with no raise. 📊 Advocate Like a Pro: The right time to ask for a raise is when you’ve earned it—not when someone hands it to you. 🗣️ Boss POV: Get insight from Kiana’s leadership experience—what works, what backfires, and what not to do. 🚨 Game the System: Raises aren’t just about merit—they're about timing, relationships, and playing smart within company politics. If you're navigating career growth, performance reviews, or simply tired of the pizza-party compensation culture, this episode helps you take control of your paycheck trajectory. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Raises 01:06 Types of Raises 04:01 Forms of Raises 07:06 How to Get a Raise 15:06 Manager's Perspective on Raises 20:13 Economic Factors and Raises 30:34 Advocating for Yourself 32:56 Unexpected Raises and Career Growth 33:48 Corporate Priorities and Compensation 34:08 Advocating for Non-Monetary Compensation 34:42 Misconception: Cost of Living Adjustments 35:50 Negotiation Tactics and Knowing Your Worth 38:54 Red Flags in Raise Discussions 52:09 The Importance of Transparency in Pay 58:54 Conclusion and Next Steps

    1h 2m

  8. 10/14/2025

    The Report Card… of Office Politics - Performance Reviews

    In this episode of How to Survive Your Boss, Kiana and Tara dive deep into the world of performance reviews — what they are, why they matter, and how to navigate them without losing your sanity. Whether you’re dreading your first annual review or questioning the quality of feedback from your manager, this episode breaks down the different types, formats, and red flags to watch for. From real-life horror stories to actionable advice on self-advocacy and documentation, Kiana shares everything you need to protect your career, build a brag file, and survive even the shadiest of managers. If you've ever walked out of a review confused, frustrated, or gaslit — this one’s for you. 💡 Key Takeaways: 📋 Understand the purpose and structure of performance reviews — from self-assessments to 360 feedback. 🛠️ Different formats exist: written, scorecard, narrative, and binary — know what your company uses. 🚩 Major red flags to look out for: vague feedback, moving goalposts, no documentation, or all criticism with zero recognition. 🧠 Shift your mindset: Keeping your head down won’t get you noticed. Self-advocacy and visibility are essential. 📝 Create a brag file — track wins weekly to make performance reviews (and resume writing!) way easier. 🗣️ Not all feedback is created equal — only internalize input from people you respect or want to emulate. 🧨 Toxic reviews say more about the company than they do about you — assess the culture too. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Performance Reviews 01:13 Purpose and Importance of Performance Reviews 02:18 Types of Performance Reviews 08:47 Formats and Methods of Performance Reviews 20:50 Common Misconceptions about Performance Reviews 27:37 Reflecting on Work Experiences and Feedback 28:12 Understanding Relevant Feedback 30:43 Handling Performance Reviews 33:05 Identifying Red Flags in Feedback 46:17 Concluding Thoughts on Performance Reviews

    50 min
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About

How to Survive Your Boss is a practical podcast about decoding corporate politics and making work work for you. Hosted by Kiana—a strategist who’s navigated the maze from startups to enterprise—each episode blends real stories with expert perspectives (HR leaders, psychologists, managers, employment attorneys, and more) to turn unspoken rules into usable playbooks. We cover managing up, team communication, boundaries, career moves, and mental health with clear language, no gatekeeping, and steps you can use the next day.

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