Send us a text

In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha take on a leadership game-changer: how to transform dissent from a workplace disruption into a strategic driver of progress. The hosts explore why embracing rebels and fostering a culture of constructive dissent is critical for organizations to innovate, adapt, and thrive. Spoiler: it all starts with empowering middle managers.

• Why dissent matters: Avoiding stagnation and fostering innovation hinges on inviting diverse perspectives.
• Middle managers as changemakers: How training them early in psychological safety and facilitation skills creates a pipeline of inclusive leaders.
• Lessons from Gallipoli: What leadership in the trenches teaches us about empowering those on the front lines.
• Insights from Annie Duke’s Thinking in Bets: How probabilistic thinking encourages smarter decision-making and healthier debates.
• Toxic cultures and short-term thinking: Why silencing dissent is a recipe for failure—and how to flip the narrative to prioritize long-term success.

The conversation also highlights the real-world challenges of creating a culture of dissent and why middle managers hold the key to breaking echo chambers and driving organizational innovation.

• Into All Problem Solving, A Little Dissent Must Fall – McKinsey
• Gallipoli (1981) – A gripping exploration of leadership and front-line decision-making during WWI.
• Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke – A guide to decision-making under uncertainty.
• Industry – HBO’s intense look at the pressures of toxic, high-stakes workplaces.

Link to Show Notes

Connect with Us:

• Follow The Fearless PX on Linkedin at The Fearless PX
• Visit our website for more content and updates: https://www.thefearlesspx.com/
• Reach out to Marion, Cacha, and Danny at elephant@thefearlessp.com
• You can find all episodes of The Elephant in the Org here.

We encourage you to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode enlightening!

From April 2024, all new episodes of The Elephant In the Org will be posted bi-weekly.

Music Credits:
Opening and closing theme by The Toros.

Production Credits:
Produced by The Fearless PX, Edited by Marion Anderson.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are exclusively those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations’ official policy or position.

Send us a text

From hybrid work hiccups to the turbulence in DEI initiatives, 2024 has been a whirlwind for HR and workplace culture. In this special year-end wrap-up of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha reflect on the defining “elephants” of the year.

We’re diving into the challenges that shaped the workplace, sharing key lessons from the year’s most heated debates, and unpacking how companies can avoid repeating their mistakes in 2025. Plus, we reveal what trends we’re most excited (and wary) about heading into the new year.

💡 Highlights from this episode:

• Why hybrid work sparked more frustration than flexibility in 2024.
• The downfall of performative DEI efforts—and how organizations can do better.
• Lessons from our expert guests on building psychological safety and trust.
• The workplace wins we’re celebrating and the mistakes we’ll leave behind.
• What’s next for The Elephant in the Org in 2025.

📢 Special Mention:
We’ve collated a list of the most influential thought leaders shaping workplace culture, hybrid work, and DEI in 2024. Explore their insights and connect with them by checking out the full list in our show notes.

Connect with Us:

• Follow The Fearless PX on Linkedin at The Fearless PX
• Visit our website for more content and updates: https://www.thefearlesspx.com/
• Reach out to Marion, Cacha, and Danny at elephant@thefearlessp.com
• You can find all episodes of The Elephant in the Org here.

We encourage you to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode enlightening!

From April 2024, all new episodes of The Elephant In the Org will be posted bi-weekly.

Music Credits:
Opening and closing theme by The Toros.

Production Credits:
Produced by The Fearless PX, Edited by Marion Anderson.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are exclusively those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations’ official policy or position.

Send us a text

Employee wellness programs are everywhere, but are they actually making a difference? In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha tackle the big questions about workplace wellness. From flashy perks and meditation apps to the critical need for psychological safety, we’re breaking down why so many wellness initiatives fall flat—and what companies need to do differently.

💡 Highlights from this episode:

• Why wellness programs often fail to move from intent to impact.
• The role of middle managers as the unsung heroes (and burnout victims) of workplace wellness.
• How return-to-office policies are taking a toll on employee health, especially for those with disabilities.
• The toxic trap of hustle culture—and why it’s time to let it go.
• Practical steps to embed well-being into your organization’s culture all year round.

📢 Special Mention:
Marion shares details about her Ph.D. research on psychological safety and return-to-office policies. If you’re U.S.-based, work in the knowledge sector, and have been with your employer for six months or more, we’d love for you to participate! Help shape this critical research by completing the survey here: https://lnkd.in/gsNm9BKC

Join the Conversation:
How is your workplace tackling wellness? Are the efforts impactful or just another checkbox exercise? We want to hear your stories!

Articles Referenced:
Gallup: Despite Employer Prioritization, Employee Well-Being Falters

HBR: How Carewashing Alienates Employees

Show Notes

🐘 Let’s keep addressing the elephants in the org.

Connect with Us:

• Follow The Fearless PX on Linkedin at The Fearless PX
• Visit our website for more content and updates: https://www.thefearlesspx.com/
• Reach out to Marion, Cacha, and Danny at elephant@thefearlessp.com
• You can find all episodes of The Elephant in the Org here.

We encourage you to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode enlightening!

From April 2024, all new episodes of The Elephant In the Org will be posted bi-weekly.

Music Credits:
Opening and closing theme by The Toros.

Production Credits:
Produced by The Fearless PX, Edited by Marion Anderson.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are exclusively those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations’ official policy or position.