Ask Christa!

Christa Dhimo, D.B.A, M.B.A., M.Sc.M

Ask Christa! is the place where you can ask questions about how to work through business challenges and workplace issues. Each episode focuses on one common question and offers additional resources to learn more. Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact ©  2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono Partners (formly Impono LLC) and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

  1. My Boss Loves Chaos, Help! (Ask Christa! S7E73)

    2D AGO

    My Boss Loves Chaos, Help! (Ask Christa! S7E73)

    Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses strategies for managing a chaotic boss, focusing on creating structure, aligning goals, and understanding underlying behaviors and personality patterns to improve workplace dynamics. She also offers practical tips and resources for employees dealing with disorderly and disruptive leadership styles. Key Takeaways ·       Force structure by connecting your boss's goals to team work through weekly status meetings. ·       Recognize that chaos often stems from a need for control and can be managed with discipline. ·       Know your resources for managing workplace disorder Additional Resources Benjamin, C. (2025, November 26). How to work with a chaotic manager and get your needs met. [Video]. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claire-benjamin-b348b4127_how-to-work-with-a-chaotic-manager-and-get-activity-7399378949845430272-aVzv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAkJ04BuGlvLZskZh15IR-N8y5Y7jtSinM Brearley, B. (2025, April 12). How a chaotic work environment is hurting your team. Thoughtful Leader. https://www.thoughtfulleader.com/time-management/chaotic-work-environment/  Brandon. Shaw. (2025, December 29). The Need for Conflict: The Psychology Behind Chaos and Conflict - Anthony Mazzella, Ph.D. Anthony Mazzella, Ph.D. https://www.drmazzella.com/the-need-for-conflict-the-psychology-behind-chaos-and-conflict/ --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    11 min
  2. My Manager Puts Me Down, What Do I Do? (Ask Christa! S6E72)

    MAR 27

    My Manager Puts Me Down, What Do I Do? (Ask Christa! S6E72)

    Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses how to handle a boss who belittles and demeans employees, focusing on strategies for emotional relief, understanding power dynamics, and seeking resources. Key Takeaways ·       Power dynamics set the groundwork for abuse in the workplace ·       There are strategies for emotional relief and support ·       Understand your resources and policies for addressing toxic behavior Additional Resources Ask Christa! (2026, January 29). My boss belittles my Co-Worker, What should I do? (Ask Christa! . . . [Video]. Ask Christa! https://www.askchrista.com/my-boss-belittles-my-co-worker-what-should-i-do-ask-christa-s6e63/ Ask Christa! (2025, June 17). Ask Christa! How Do I Stop Putting Up with Bad Behavior (Put-Dow. . . [Video]. Ask Christa! https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-how-do-i-stop-putting-up-with-bad-behavior-put-downs-at-work-s2e17/ De Vries, M. F. R. K. (2024, June 18). How to handle a toxic boss. INSEAD Knowledge. https://knowledge.insead.edu/career/how-handle-toxic-boss Jennifer Brick. (2025, June 3). How to Deal with a Toxic Boss When You Can’t QUIT [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkMHaLD8ln0 TEDx Talks. (2026, March 23). How to handle a bad boss | Natalie Parker | TEDxParrish Street [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U86LLzZUjVw --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    10 min
  3. My Boss is Always Stressed Out, How Can I Help Them? (Ask Christa! S6E71)

    MAR 21

    My Boss is Always Stressed Out, How Can I Help Them? (Ask Christa! S6E71)

    Summary This episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores how to manage stress caused by a stressed-out boss, emphasizing the importance of self-care, recognizing stress signals, and organizational support strategies.    Key   takeaways ·       Understanding the importance of recognizing stress signals early ·       The role of HR in supporting stressed employees and managers ·       Practical steps to help teams manage workload and stress ·       The significance of self-care and community support in stressful times   Additional Resources American Psychological Association. (2024, August 23). Understanding, recognizing, and managing stress in the workplace [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqFzXUsC6rE   Coping with stress at work. (2024, October 22). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/work-stress   Work and stress | How to be mentally healthy at work | Mind. (n.d.). https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/how-to-be-mentally-healthy-at-work/work-and-stress/ --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    10 min
  4. My Boss is a Perfectionist, How Do I Deal? (Ask Christa! S6E70)

    MAR 13

    My Boss is a Perfectionist, How Do I Deal? (Ask Christa! S6E70)

    Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses how to handle a perfectionist boss, exploring the impact of perfectionism on team dynamics and providing practical strategies for employees to manage such challenging workplace relationships.  Key  takeaways ·       Perfectionism is about unattainable standards that can harm team morale. ·       Managing expectations and setting boundaries is crucial when dealing with perfectionist bosses. ·       Performance plans are vital for documenting goals and expectations. ·       Seeking support and using the BIC method can help articulate issues with a boss. ·       Resources like Psychology Today and Christina Holloway's video offer practical advice. Additional Resources Chasson, G. (2024, June 5). Perfectionism can undermine psychological safety in the workplace. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/flawed/202406/3-ways-perfectionistic-managers-discourage-employees Christina Holloway. (2022, October 21). How to work for a perfectionist boss [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwKJVLmuZTM --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    14 min
  5. My Boss Never Listens, What Do I Do? (Ask Christa! S6E69)

    MAR 7

    My Boss Never Listens, What Do I Do? (Ask Christa! S6E69)

    Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the challenges of effective listening in the workplace, especially when dealing with managers who do not seem to listen. She provides practical strategies to improve active listening, enhance communication, and foster better understanding at work. Topics include: the importance of active listening in the workplace, common barriers to effective listening and how to overcome them, practical techniques to improve listening and being heard, and understanding the root causes of listening issues with managers. Key takeaways ·       Listening is a skill that requires energy, concentration, and practice. ·       Most people are not good listeners; they often only half-listen or jump to conclusions. ·       Effective listening involves hearing, understanding, interpreting, retaining, then being able to effectively recall what you heard. ·       Strategies to improve listening include removing distractions, asking clarifying questions, and using a notepad to capture “intrusive thoughts.” ·       To be heard, ask for feedback, clarify your message, and use prompting questions. Additional Resources Master the art of listening - take the listening assessment. (2024, August 11). A Meaning of Life. https://ameaningoflife.org/master-listening/ --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    10 min
  6. My Boss is Holding Me Back, What Do I Do? (Ask Christa! S6E68)

    FEB 27

    My Boss is Holding Me Back, What Do I Do? (Ask Christa! S6E68)

    Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener question about an employee feeling like their boss is holding them back as the boss prepares for retirement. She explores how employees can navigate situations where their manager seems to hold them back, especially during a manager's transition to retirement. The discussion offers practical strategies for maintaining development momentum and understanding managerial behaviors. Key takeaways ·       It’s important to manage the pace of your own development  ·       There are various strategies for communicating with a manager about career growth ·       It’s important to understand your boss-employee power dynamics ·       Tools to advance your career include a collaboration and negotiation mindset Additional Resources Forbes Coaches Council. (2021, December 10). Is your favorite boss leaving? Seven ways to cope. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/11/08/is-your-favorite-boss-leaving-seven-ways-to-cope/ Tame your terrible office tyrant. (n.d.). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tame-your-terrible-office-tyrant Taylor, L. (2018, February 4). Manage Up with Ingenuity for Faster Response Time. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tame-your-terrible-office-tyrant/201802/9-ways-to-counter-a-procrastinating-boss-who-slows-you --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    13 min
  7. I've Had More Management Training Than My Boss-- Help! (Ask Christa! S6E67)

    FEB 20

    I've Had More Management Training Than My Boss-- Help! (Ask Christa! S6E67)

    Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa explores the challenges of being underemployed while also having more management training than your boss. It offers practical strategies for leveraging your skills, realigning expectations, and turning frustration into constructive action. Key topics include underemployment and its impact on career satisfaction and strategies to leverage management training in a lower-level role. Key takeaways ·       Leverage your management skills outside of your current role to create impact. ·       Share your management knowledge informally at work to build influence. ·       Use pent-up management skills outside work: mentor, create, share ·       Remember that management training doesn't make a good manager (application does) Additional Resources 3 Smart steps to take if you’re more qualified than your boss | The Muse. (n.d.). The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-smart-steps-to-take-if-youre-more-qualified-than-your-boss 3 Strategies for dealing when you’re Underemployed | The Muse. (n.d.). The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-strategies-for-dealing-when-youre-underemployed Career Contessa, Job Search + Career Advice. (2024, October 29). From unemployed to Underemployed: How to cope with it [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDTEih8kAI --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    10 min
  8. My Boss is a Good Person but Bad Manager. How do I Deal? (Ask Christa! S6E66)

    FEB 13

    My Boss is a Good Person but Bad Manager. How do I Deal? (Ask Christa! S6E66)

    Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about managing a likable but ineffective boss. This episode is focused on ways to enable a manager to support growth and development for the team’s career paths. Christa emphasizes the importance of effective feedback and offers actionable strategies for employees to initiate coaching discussions with their boss so the boss can improve. Christa highlights the significance of leveraging the manager's likeability and coachability to foster a productive dialogue. She also shares additional resources and encourages listeners to take charge of their career paths while also finding ways to provide feedback to their managers if the manager is coachable and the goal is focused on improvement. Key Takeaways ·       Most people aren't prepared to become a manager. ·       Growth and development are crucial aspects of a job. ·       A likable manager can motivate a team to help the manager succeed. ·       Employees should take control of their own development. ·       Using the BIC method can facilitate effective feedback. ·       Coaching can come from trusted colleagues or external sources. ·       You're not alone in facing management challenges. ·       Leverage your connection with your manager for feedback. Additional Resources Garrett, H. (2023, December 18). Taking the Wheel: How to drive your own professional development. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/11/30/taking-the-wheel-how-to-drive-your-own-professional-development/ Herrity, J. (2025, December 19). 10 Strategies to Effectively Promote your Professional growth. Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/professional-growth Ryan, L. (2017, February 23). Five signs Your boss is a nice person -- but a terrible manager. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/02/22/five-signs-your-boss-is-a-nice-person-but-a-lousy-manager/ --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    10 min

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Ask Christa! is the place where you can ask questions about how to work through business challenges and workplace issues. Each episode focuses on one common question and offers additional resources to learn more. Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact ©  2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono Partners (formly Impono LLC) and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.