Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Be Human At Work?

Local Wisdom
  • 5.0 (9)
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Be Human At Work?

Pinaki Kathiari & Chris Lee challenge traditional best practices in the workplace

  1. MAY 1

    Ep 03 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Follow Influencers?

    Season 2, Episode 3: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Influenced?   Episode Description Influencer fatigue, TikTok tips, corporate jargon, lawn envy, and the boss who suddenly wants to “go agile” after reading one McKinsey article—sound familiar? In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore how deeply we're all influenced—by social media, our neighbors, our leaders, and even ourselves. The conversation spans from the science of subconscious mimicry to the ways workplace “best practices” are sometimes just rituals no one remembers the reason for. Together, they unpack: Why influence can feel uncomfortable (even when it’s helpful)How unconscious social pressure and mimicry show up at workThe link between influence, power dynamics, and cultureWhat Inception, dopamine, and standing in waiting rooms teach us about human behaviorHow good leaders influence without micromanagingHow Humanocracy, Dopamine Nation, and How to Win Friends and Influence People offer timeless insightPlus: A wild peek at how AI is shaping influence and how even your 4-year-old might not know what’s real anymore.  Timestamps 00:00 – Neighborhood lawn politics and the roots of influence03:00 – Social media moms, tech TikTok, and the influencer paradox06:30 – Leaders, tone-setting, and the trap of unintentional influence08:30 – Priming experiments and subconscious behavior10:00 – The “standing up” waiting room experiment (you’ve seen this!)12:00 – Generational cycles of influence in the workplace14:00 – The history of influence: from merchants to algorithms16:00 – DEI, conformity, and reprogramming the brain18:00 – When “yes, we can” becomes “we’re burning out”20:00 – Dopamine and the dark side of workplace hustle culture22:00 – Reinventing workplace norms: Bayer and Humanocracy25:00 – Flow state at work and the boxing metaphor27:00 – The subtle influence of workplace structure and experience  Wisdom That Feels So Right Humanocracy by Gary HamelDopamine Nation by Dr. Anna LembkeHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieTED Talk: How to Fight and Win the Information War by Peter PomerantsevPeter Gabriel’s song “We Do What We’re Told” (inspired by the Milgram Experiment)Stanley Milgram's Obedience Study (psychological experiments on authority and compliance)  Mic-Drop Moments “Influence gives us direction. But too much of it, unchecked, shapes us into something we didn’t choose.” “Even saying nothing is saying something—especially when you’re a leader.” “Work should feel like a flow state, not a factory reset.”   Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication   Gratitude & Support Shoutout to Local Wisdom for making this podcast possible—and for building the kind of culture that actually feels human. Thanks to SBX Productions for making us sound pro, and to our powerhouse producer Brielle Seracini for keeping the wheels turning.   Join the Movement If this episode made you smile, made you think, or made you throw your phone across the room—we want to hear about it. Follow, rate, review, and share with friends, teammates, or your boss (subtly). You can also visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to keep the conversation going. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

    32 min

  2. APR 17

    Ep 02 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Honest?

    Season 2, Episode 2: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Honest at Work?   Episode Description  Can you really speak your truth at work without risking relationships, reputation, or your job? In this episode of Why Does it Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee dig deep into the complex emotional, social, and cultural dynamics around honesty in the workplace. They ask: Why do we crave authenticity—but cringe when we see too much of it at work?What makes it so hard to be real with our managers, coworkers, or even ourselves?How do power dynamics, culture, and pressure shape what we can say vs. what we want to say?Through personal stories, research insights, and straight-up vulnerability, Chris and Pinaki explore the messy middle between truth and tact—including how to create a psychologically safe environment where honesty can thrive. They also introduce concepts like: Fantasy relationships and why saying “it’s fine” can create false realitiesThe MUM Effect and the psychology of avoiding bad newsHow to detect honesty-coded phrases like “living the dream”Lessons from radical honesty, imposter syndrome, and even Ted LassoThis episode closes with another segment of Wisdom That Feels So Right, highlighting the best books and frameworks on honesty, trust, and communication.   Timestamps 00:00 – Honesty about Season 1: From scripted to sincere03:00 – Why honesty is complicated at work06:30 – Code-switching, etiquette, and cultural context08:00 – Radical honesty vs. respectful honesty10:00 – Self-advocacy, truth bombs, and rock-and-roll consensus13:00 – Fantasy relationships and misaligned perceptions15:00 – The “brand autopsy” at Local Wisdom: A case study in courageous conversation17:30 – Manager prompts to uncover emotional truths20:00 – Workplace “code speak”: Living the dream = cry for help?22:00 – A brief (and wild) history of honesty in business25:00 – Lessons from Ted Lasso: Honesty builds trust27:00 – The MUM Effect, psychological safety, and distorted perceptions30:00 – Interviews, dating, and performance reviews: Why we dodge the truth32:00 – Timing, empathy, and the courage to speak up34:00 – Pressures that lead to dishonesty in organizations36:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right + Closing  Wisdom That Feels So Right Nobody Believes You by Jenni FieldCrucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson et al.Simon Sinek’s 2-min YouTube clip: “Performance vs. Trust”Start With Why by Simon SinekTed Lasso (TV series, Apple TV+)  Key Takeaways “Honesty without compassion can be cruel.” — Kristen Hancock “When everyone says yes and no one means it, you're in a fantasy relationship.” “We overestimate the negative impact of truth—and underestimate the positive.”   Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication   Special Thanks Thank you to Local Wisdom and our rockstar producer Brielle Seracini for making this podcast possible. If your team is wrestling with truth, culture, or communication—let’s take this show on the road to your organization. Let’s Keep It Real: If this episode made you laugh, cringe, think—or gave you the urge to forward it anonymously to your boss—please rate, review, and share. We’d love to hear your honest take. Connect with us on LinkedIn and join the conversation. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

    41 min

  3. APR 3

    Ep 01 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Embrace Change?

    Season 2, Episode 1: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Embrace Change at Work?   Episode Description: We’re back! After a much-anticipated break, hosts Pinaki Kathiari (CEO of Local Wisdom, co-founder of Resource Hero) and Chris Lee (VP at Gallagher Communications, President of IABC Toronto) kick off Season 2 of Why Does it Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work? by tackling one of the most universal and misunderstood workplace experiences: change. In this deeply personal and practical conversation, Pinaki and Chris explore: Why change is so uncomfortable—and sometimes even painfulHow workplace culture impacts our ability to embrace changeThe psychology and physiology behind how humans process transitionsThe double-edged sword of being either too eager or too resistant to changeWhat internal communications and people leaders can do to humanize changeTips for helping teams reframe change as a growth opportunityPersonal stories, like riding a Waymo self-driving car, to illustrate the emotional complexity of navigating the unknownPlus, they debut a new segment: “Wisdom That Feels So Right”, where they recommend books that help make sense of change and guide listeners through it. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back: The evolution of the podcast and workplace conversations 03:00 – How the idea of humanizing the workplace gained traction 05:45 – What makes change feel so wrong at work 09:00 – Control, identity, and the emotional impact of organizational shifts 14:30 – Change as pain: The rollercoaster of excitement and fear 18:00 – Riding Waymo: An experiential metaphor for personal change 21:00 – Risk tolerance and managing emotional responses to uncertainty 27:00 – Suffering vs. reality: A mindset shift in navigating change 30:00 – Lessons from Who Moved My Cheese? 34:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right: Books and frameworks on change 37:30 – Final thoughts: Making change a positive habit   Wisdom that Feels So Right Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer JohnsonThe Dip by Seth GodinQuit by Annie DukeIlluminate by Nancy DuarteThe Fearless Organization by Amy EdmondsonLeading Change by John KotterRange by David EpsteinSoundtracks by Jon AcuffAyurvedic Wellness by Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar  Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication   Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: Did something we said spark a new thought? Did you feel seen, challenged, or even frustrated by our take? We want to hear from you. Drop us a comment on LinkedIn or tag us in your reflections. And if you found this valuable, please rate, review, and share the episode to help others bring more humanness into the workplace. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

    38 min

  4. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Season 2 Trailer

    Season 2 is here. Join Pinaki Kathiari (Local Wisdom) and Chris Lee (Gallagher) as they dig into the contradictions of modern work culture—like why change feels scary and gossip feels great. It’s honest, human, and maybe a little uncomfortable. New episodes dropping soon. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your audio podcasts. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

    1 min

  5. 10/12/2023

    Ep 10 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Fail?

    Have you ever made a big mistake at work or felt like you failed at doing your job? Of course you have – we’re all human! In this episode, we’ll talk about ways to change our mindset regarding failure and how to utilize the power and learning opportunities that failure brings.  Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

    39 min

  6. 09/28/2023

    Ep 9 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Doubt The Data?

    Have you ever questioned the data on something, just because your gut and intuition were telling you that something was off? Having access to data is an incredibly powerful asset, but we must take the surrounding narrative and context into account. In this episode, we’ll talk about why it’s important to be critical of the information we’re presented with and how to ensure we’re mixing both storytelling and data into our everyday decision-making. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

    35 min

  7. 09/14/2023

    Ep 8 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Put Yourself Before Your Company?

    Have you ever put the needs of your company before your own? Do you struggle with finding an appropriate work-life balance? In this episode, we’ll talk about why prioritizing self-care and mental health is not only better for you, but why it is better for your organization, as well. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

    40 min

  8. 08/31/2023

    Ep 7 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Create A Consumer-Grade Employee Experience?

    Have you ever thought about why organizations spend so much time and effort to create an incredible customer experience, yet overlook the importance of creating a decent employee experience? Why is there not as much focus on creating a consumer-grade experience at work for our own internal teammates? In this episode, we’ll talk about how an enhanced employee experience makes the organization more successful overall. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible.  If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.   We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

    43 min
See All (15)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Pinaki Kathiari & Chris Lee challenge traditional best practices in the workplace

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada