Workplace Weirdness™

Maya Kadar Kovalsky

Welcome to Workplace Weirdness™, The Non-HR HR Podcast™ that takes a deep dive into the delightful oddities of office life. Ever wondered why the break room smells like a science experiment or why your boss insists on using 'synergy' in every meeting? We've got you covered! Join Maya and her revolving door of guest hosts as they unravel the mysteries of cubicle culture and decode the cryptic behaviors of your coworkers. From bizarre email sign-offs to the enigma of office fridge politics, no topic is too weird for us to tackle. Each week, we'll talk about hot HR topics, answer listener questions and dissect an awkward workplace theme, all while keeping things light, fun, and packed with HR humor. Tune in, because in the world of work, the only thing you can count on is the unexpected! So, grab your coffee, put your feet up on that ergonomic footrest, and let's get weird at work together. Trust us, it’ll be a productivity boost like no other!

  1. Aug 14 ·  Bonus

    Hard Truth About Parental Leave: Dads Get Praised, Moms Get Punished!

    In this episode of our Workplace Weirdness™ summer series, “Out of Office,” Maya Kadar Kovalsky discusses parental leave: the double standards parents face, the pressure to appear “serious” at work while caring for a family, and why parental leave parity matters for both moms and dads.  Our notable guests discuss how parental leave intersects with identity, ambition, caregiving, and workplace culture, using candid stories to show how maternal and paternal leave policies and leadership behavior can either support families or quietly penalize them.  The episode is a reminder that employees should never have to choose between starting a family and succeeding in their career. Chapters: [00:12] Why parental leave is really about identity, power, and workplace culture [00:42]  Leave policies only matter if people feel safe using them [1:07] The double standard: men praised for caregiving, women penalized for it [2:02]  A pregnancy “stretch assignment” turns into a public demotion [3:56] U.S. Parental leave system depends heavily on company policy [4:23] Leadership behavior sets the tone for whether parental leave is acceptable [4:50] Why parity in leave matters for both mothers and fathers [6:14] The pressure on dads to return early [6:41] How to request leave without apologizing for it [7:09] Setting boundaries early so family time is non-negotiable [7:38] Parenting and professional ambition should not be treated as opposites Resources and Links: Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Randi Braun · LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-braun-312a5423 · Website: https://www.somethingmajorcoaching.com/about-randi Peter Vincent · Website: https://www.vincentcs.com/ Nicole Ramirez · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerayeramirez · Website: https://nrdigitalconsulting.com/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com· Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · Tiktok: @workplaceweirdpod · Substack : https://workplaceweirdness.substack.com/ Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

    Hard Truth About Parental Leave: Dads Get Praised, Moms Get Punished!
  2. Jul 31 ·  Bonus

    This Episode Could Have Been an Email: From Meeting Overload to Purpose

    We sometimes feel that certain meetings could have been an email; yet in most cases we don’t have a choice. In this episode of our Workplace Weirdness™ summer series, “Out of Office,” Maya Kadar Kovalsky unpacks why poorly planned meetings can drain morale, hamper innovation, and signal a lack of respect for your team's time.  Our expert guests share eye-opening insights, such as how unresolved conflicts in meetings cost billions annually and how practical frameworks for empathy and inclusivity across time zones can enhance team inclusion.  Discover best practices that can redesign meetings from arbitrary routines into intentional, engaging experiences and transform meetings into powerful catalysts for collaboration and culture-building  Ready to make meetings better? Tune in now! Chapters: [00:12] The problems with unproductive gatherings   [00:40] The bigger picture: making meetings better, more creative, and more human [1:09] Conflict in meetings: unresolved issues costing billions annually [1:37] Why your meetings reflect your organizational culture [2:05] Designing purposeful meetings with clear goals and pre-work [2:34] The impact of post-COVID work culture on meeting frequency and quality [3:04] How to get better at meeting facilitation: tools, goals, and human-centered design [3:32] Emotional experience: making meetings feel valuable and engaging [4:01] The power of personality and humor in meetings for building trust [5:24] Managing time zone differences with empathy and transparency [5:54] Practical approaches to inclusive meetings: acknowledging time zones and involving participants [6:24] Strategies for making remote participants feel involved and valued [6:51] Why meetings shape company culture and how to improve them [7:20] Tips for creating engagement and making meetings worthwhile [7:49] Takeaways: your meetings are an extension of your organizational culture Resources and Links: Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Dethra Giles · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dethragiles · Website: https://www.dethragiles.org/ Hannah Dubin · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-feldberg-dubin · Website: https://www.thegroupforward.com/ David Homan · Website: https://orchestratedconnecting.com/ Nicole Ramirez · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerayeramirez · Website: https://nrdigitalconsulting.com/ Billy Somoa Saleebey · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billysamoa · Website: https://podify.com/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · Tiktok: @workplaceweirdpod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

    This Episode Could Have Been an Email: From Meeting Overload to Purpose
  3. Jul 17 ·  Bonus

    The Power of Introductions: Leading Through Connection

    In this episode of our Workplace Weirdness™ summer series, “Out of Office,” Maya Kadar Kovalsky explores one of the most underrated leadership skills: connecting people. Rather than focusing only on decision-making, great leaders notice who’s stuck, who’s working on similar problems, and who could benefit from knowing one another - then they make the introduction. Through guest stories and practical examples, the conversation shows how connecting works best when it’s rooted in empathy, curiosity, and service. From leadership assimilation sessions to everyday touch points that build familiarity and trust, the episode highlights how building your social capital can break down barriers, create relationships, strengthen teams, and unlock unexpected opportunities. Chapters: [00:12] Creating Connections with host, Maya Kadar Kovalsky [00:47] Fourth Tier Jock to NFL Superbowl Connections with David Homan [2:06] Leadership Assimilation Sessions with Kane Calamari [3:09] Bonding with Coworkers with William Tincup [3:57] Big Heart Energy Matters with Kat Kibben [4:57] Being a Genuine Human with Paul McDowall [5:58] Trust is Only Legal Enhancing Drug with David Hanrahan [6:25] Leaderships is About Connection Resources and Links: David Homan · Website: https://orchestratedconnecting.com/ Kane Calamari · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kane-calamari-53268014 William Tincup · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup Kat Kibben · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinakibben David Hanrahan · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhanrahan Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · Tiktok: @workplaceweirdpod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

    The Power of Introductions: Leading Through Connection
  4. Jul 3

    WeWork, MrBeast Burger, and the Cost of Billion-Dollar Hype | Workplace Weirdness Summer Special

    In this special summer-edition episode of Workplace Weirdness™, Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with Alan Philips, founder and CEO of The Marketing Department, to unpack the strange, powerful forces behind brand obsession, company culture, and how to create an influential movement.  Alan shares his eccentric stories working with industry leaders and celebrities, from Mr. Beast to DJ Khalid at Reef Technology to the Golden Days of WeWork with Adam Neumann.  Maya and Alan talk about building consumer brands, offering candid lessons on ego, authenticity, and the difference between momentum and real value. From the “architecture of a movement” to the rise and fall of ambitious startups, this conversation explores what makes people believe in a brand and what happens when that belief outruns execution. Alan also opens up about his current ventures, including Sunshine Coffee and What's Good Miami, and why building something meaningful in a specific place can be the foundation for lasting success. Episode Chapters: 00:43 Inside WeWork's Rise and Fall 06:49 Trusting Yourself When Everyone Else Disagrees 11:17 Rapid Fire: Social media content creation is gold 13:18 Building What's Good Miami & Local Media 17:21 Reef Technologies, MrBeast Burger & DJ Khaled 23:23 Why Ghost Kitchens Didn't Last 25:14 Lessons on Branding, Leadership & Entrepreneurship Resources and Links: Alan Philips · Sunshine Coffee: https://sunshinecoffee.com/ · What’s Good Miami: https://www.whatsgood.miami/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · SubStack: https://substack.com/@workplaceweirdnesspodcast  · TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@workplaceweirdpod Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

    WeWork, MrBeast Burger, and the Cost of Billion-Dollar Hype | Workplace Weirdness Summer Special
  5. Jun 12

    Rookie Mistakes That Actually Make You Better at Work

    In this episode of our Workplace Weirdness™ summer series, “Out of Office,” Maya Kadar Kovalsky explores the theme of "rookie mistakes" and “rookie smarts” in the workplace, highlighting how early career blunders often lead to valuable learning experiences.  We hear stories from various guests from past episodes who share their early career journeys, with missteps such as overconfidence in a corporate setting, accidental termination emails, inappropriate gifts and more.  Maya and her experts from throughout the season, emphasize the importance of maintaining a "rookie mindset," which allows for fresh perspectives and innovation.  Episode Chapters: [00:12] Introduction to Rookie Mistakes 
[00:50] Story of Overconfidence- Neil Sharma
 [02:45] Accidental Email Mishap- Peter Vincent 
[03:43] The Champagne Incident- Dorie Clark & Maya Kadar Kovalsky [05:02] The Wrong Office- Kavita Vora
 [5:58] Awkward Text Message - Yolonda Deon Tyler [06:28] Rookie Smarts- Billy Samoa Saleeby
 [8:44] It’s Amazing How Open Young People Are - Hannah Dubin [10:12] The Superpower of “Dumbassery”- Gary Ridge
 [12:34] Conclusion: Embracing the Mistakes Resources and Links: Neil Sharma, co-founder of SolarKal · SolarKal Website - https://www.solarkal.com/ · LinkedIn -⁠ / neil-sharma-045117  ⁠ Peter Vincent, executive coach and HR expert Dorie Clark, WSJ & USA Today Bestselling Author and Marketing strategist · Website:⁠ https://dorieclark.com/⁠ · Linkedin:⁠   / doriec  ⁠ Kavita Vora, Chief People Officer of BrainPOP Yolonda Deon Tyler, founder of Mindful Play Learning · Instagram -⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yolondadeon_/⁠ Billy Samoa Saleebey, founder and CEO of Podify · Podify Website -⁠ https://podify.com/⁠ · LinkedIn -⁠   / billysamoa  ⁠  · Instagram -⁠ https://www.instagram.com/billysamoa/...⁠  Hannah Dubin, founder of The Group Forward · The Group Forward -⁠ https://www.thegroupforward.com/⁠ · LinkedIn -⁠   / hannah-feldberg-dubin  ⁠  Gary Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 · LinkedIn -⁠   / garryridge  ⁠  · The Learning Moment -⁠ https://thelearningmoment.net/⁠ Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/⁠ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: ⁠info@workplace-weirdness.com⁠ · Website: ⁠workplace-weirdness.com⁠ · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

    Rookie Mistakes That Actually Make You Better at Work
  6. May 29

    Career Pivots: How to Change Direction Without Losing Momentum

    In this Summer special episode of Workplace Weirdness™ Out of Office, Maya Kadar Kovalsky turns real guest stories into a practical resource for anyone thinking about a career pivot. From unexpected job changes to bold reinventions and strategic "half-steps," guests from past episodes share stories of taking risks, embracing change, and discovering that careers rarely follow a straight line. Their advice? Stay curious, stay flexible, and don't be afraid to pivot when opportunity knocks. Resources and Links: Neil Sharma, co-founder of SolarKal· SolarKal · Website - https://www.solarkal.com/ · LinkedIn - / neil-sharma-045117   Billy Samoa Saleebey, founder and CEO of Podify · Podify Website - https://podify.com/ · LinkedIn -  / billysamoa    · Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/billysamoa/... · Facebook -  / billysamoasaleebey    · YouTube -   / billysamoa    Meredith Haberfeld, CEO of ThinkHuman Website - https://www.meredithhaberfeld.com/ · LinkedIn -  / meredith-haberfeld-she-her-29aa7a5    · Instagram -  / thinkhumankind    · ThinkHuman Website - https://think-human.com/ Menaka Chang, Fractional Chief People Officer · LinkedIn  / menaka-chang   Nicole Ramirez, Personal Brand Strategist · Website: nrdigitalconsulting.com · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerayeramirez Paul McDowall, Head of Strategic Growth Vault49 · LinkedIn - / paul-mcdowall-00b0b11    · clarkmcdowall - http://www.clarkmcdowall.com · Vault 49 - https://www.vault49.com/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

    Career Pivots: How to Change Direction Without Losing Momentum
  7. May 13

    From Homeless in NYC to Entrepreneur with Amin Hasani | Workplace Weirdness S2 E18

    In this episode of Workplace Weirdness™, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky speaks with Amin Hasani, founder of Hasani Studio, about his journey as an industrial designer and the importance of accessibility and the impact of AI in product design. They also discuss the challenges faced by immigrants in the workplace, particularly regarding work visas, and share insights on navigating cultural differences.  The episode also features listener questions about career advice and workplace dynamics, providing valuable perspectives on the evolving nature of work. In this episode, they discuss: Amin Hasani's immigrant journey and career development Innovative accessibility solutions like the Curvd Accessibility Mug Workplace culture and managing expectations in the US The impact of AI on product design and fundamentals Challenges faced by H1B visa holders in tech and design [00:00] Introduction to Workplace Weirdness™ [01:09] Amin's Journey and Design Philosophy [05:55] The Importance of Accessibility in Design [11:59] Navigating Cultural Differences in the Workplace [18:08] The Immigrant Experience and Work Visa Challenges [24:01] Dealing with Negative Coworkers and Reading Between the Lines [28:03] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources and Links: Amin Hasani · Website: https://hasanistudio.com/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aminhasani · Instagram: @aminhasani @hasanistudio @thecurvd Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod   Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

    From Homeless in NYC to Entrepreneur with Amin Hasani | Workplace Weirdness S2 E18
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Workplace Weirdness™, The Non-HR HR Podcast™ that takes a deep dive into the delightful oddities of office life. Ever wondered why the break room smells like a science experiment or why your boss insists on using 'synergy' in every meeting? We've got you covered! Join Maya and her revolving door of guest hosts as they unravel the mysteries of cubicle culture and decode the cryptic behaviors of your coworkers. From bizarre email sign-offs to the enigma of office fridge politics, no topic is too weird for us to tackle. Each week, we'll talk about hot HR topics, answer listener questions and dissect an awkward workplace theme, all while keeping things light, fun, and packed with HR humor. Tune in, because in the world of work, the only thing you can count on is the unexpected! So, grab your coffee, put your feet up on that ergonomic footrest, and let's get weird at work together. Trust us, it’ll be a productivity boost like no other!