Tough Day Podcast

Katherine von Jan and Everywhere Ventures

Welcome to the Tough Day podcast, hosted by Katherine von Jan, CEO and co-founder of Tough Day. This podcast is dedicated to helping workers at all levels navigate tricky situations in the workplace. In each episode, we interview experts—from exceptional managers and HR professionals to leaders in various fields—sharing authentic stories and insights from the real world of work. When work gets tough, the tough get working. Join us and let’s tackle these challenges together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. From Bad Bosses to Great Leaders

    AUG 22

    From Bad Bosses to Great Leaders

    You know that boss who sends emails at 12:03 AM? The one who’s always in a fire drill? Or the beloved, well-meaning leader who… doesn’t actually know how to lead? In this episode of Tough Day, host KVJ sits down with Mita Mallick, bestselling author and workplace culture expert, to unpack some of the most common (and quietly dangerous) archetypes of bad bosses — and what good leaders can learn from them. Mita shares stories and insights from her upcoming book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses, including how to spot macro managers, navigate kind-but-incompetent bosses, and protect yourself from gossipy higher-ups. Whether you’ve had a bad boss or been one, this conversation will help you lead and work better — starting now. ✨ What we cover: What inspired Mita to turn her “burn book” into a leadership guideThe difference between trust and neglect in leadershipWhen kindness hides incompetence — and what to do about itHow to deal with manipulative gossip in the workplaceWhy team agreements and coaching moments matter📚 Pre-order Mita’s new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight Coming September 30, 2025 👉 Order here 🔗 Connect with Mita Mallick: 🌐 Website: https://www.mitamallick.com 📘 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mitamallick Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day Website: https://tough.day/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  2. Management as Caregiving

    AUG 1

    Management as Caregiving

    In this refreshing and eye-opening convo, KVJ sits down with powerhouse strategist and founder Janna Meyrowitz Turner to unpack what it really means to manage with care. From her early days building StyleHouse to launching her new venture, Antenna Up, Janna walks us through how caregiving and leadership aren’t opposites—they’re deeply connected. They talk about burnout, invisible labor, DEI misfires, and how men and women can (and must) work together to fix broken systems at work. Plus, the two design the perfect ice cream flavor for leaders trying to balance power and compassion (spoiler: it’s minty, meaningful, and definitely cool to care). If you've ever felt like managing people shouldn’t feel this hard, this one's for you. In this episode, you will hear: Management as caregiving: why it’s a mindset shift, not just a skill setBurnout, bandwidth, and balancing emotional labor at workThe sandwich generation of managers—why middle managers are stretched thinHow our early life systems shape leadership behaviorWhy men and women need to solve workplace problems togetherDEI backlash and the danger of excluding cis het white men from the conversationReal talk about invisible labor, emotional tolls, and why it’s okay to name the tensionPersonal brand alignment: leading with authenticity and clarityWhy humor, storytelling, and honesty are the unsung tools of good leadership Learn more about Janna Turner | Antenna Up Website: https://www.jannamturner.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannaturner Instagram: @jannamturner Learn more about Antenna Up and Buoys Club via Sinistry Capital (note: Antenna Up launches publicly in Fall 2025) Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day Website: https://tough.day/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  3. The Power of the Pack

    JUN 4

    The Power of the Pack

    Feeling stuck in outdated workplace systems? In this episode of Tough Day, host KVJ sits down with Shelley Zalis—CEO, founder, and Chief Troublemaker of The Female Quotient—to talk about rewriting the rules of work for a more inclusive, human-centered future. Shelley shares her zigzag career journey, from breaking into market research by accident to sparking a global movement for equality in business. Together, they unpack why traditional systems are failing caregivers, why empathy is a power skill, and how conscious leadership can drive real transformation. Shelley also tackles workplace DEI fatigue, toxic culture, and why it's time to stop fixing women and start fixing the system. Tune in for real talk, bold insights, and the unapologetic leadership energy we need now more than ever. In this episode, you will hear: Why feminine leadership traits like empathy and collaboration are criticalHow The FQ fosters inclusive spaces and business opportunitiesThe evolution from the Girls’ Lounge to the Equality Lounge to global transformation workThe importance of designing workplaces for caregivers and the “messy middle”The danger of unconscious bias and the importance of conscious leadershipWhy DEI must be embedded in company strategy, not relegated to HR Learn more about Shelley Zalis | The Female Quotient Website: https://www.thefemalequotient.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyzalis  Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  4. Wired for Resilience

    MAR 3

    Wired for Resilience

    How do you build resilience and stay ahead in today’s fast-changing work environment? In this episode, KVJ dives into the neuroscience of resilience with Sarah Baldeo, CEO of ID Quotient and a leading expert in AI and human behavior. Sarah breaks down how to rewire your brain for adaptability, navigate stress, and future-proof your career in an era of uncertainty. Plus, she tackles real-world challenges, from navigating layoffs and burnout to leading change without resistance. Tune in for this must-hear conversation—your go-to guide for mastering resilience and thriving in the face of change! In this episode, you will hear: Defining resilience and how it shapes success in a fast-changing workplace.Training your brain to stay calm, focused, and adaptable under pressure.The science behind stress and why it impacts decision-making.The power of accountability and how mindset shifts drive career success.AI and neurotechnology reshaping how we approach resilience.Small daily habits that help rewire your brain for resilience.How to navigate uncertainty and take control of your professional trajectory.Leading change effectively by giving teams ownership and reducing resistance.Why upskilling is the best strategy for staying competitive in evolving industries. Learn more about Sarah Baldeo | ID Quotient Website: https://sarahbaldeo.com/  Website (ID Quotient): https://www.idqinc.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbaldeo/details/experience/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesarahbaldeo/  Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min

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About

Welcome to the Tough Day podcast, hosted by Katherine von Jan, CEO and co-founder of Tough Day. This podcast is dedicated to helping workers at all levels navigate tricky situations in the workplace. In each episode, we interview experts—from exceptional managers and HR professionals to leaders in various fields—sharing authentic stories and insights from the real world of work. When work gets tough, the tough get working. Join us and let’s tackle these challenges together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.