Épisodes

  • Back-stabbing Boss and Post-COVID Wellness

    Back-stabbing Boss and Post-COVID Wellness
    Feb 19 2025
    Ever wondered how to handle a boss who indulges in office gossip? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with Maya Cadena, founder and CEO of Vetted Pet Health, a primary pet care service. Maya opens up about the unique challenges women face in business—especially when it comes to networking and securing investment. She shares her own struggles with bias, particularly in male-dominated spaces, and emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself in these environments. The episode doesn’t shy away from tackling other workplace challenges, including navigating COVID-19 policies and maintaining health and safety at work. They also discuss the uncomfortable reality of bosses who gossip about employees, offering strategies for dealing with the situation while maintaining professional integrity and open communication. Let’s get right into it! Key Takeaways The significance of hiring the right team and managing team dynamics in a growing business. Addressing gender bias, particularly in leadership roles and its impact on women in business. Overcoming challenges women face in networking and investment contexts, and navigating male-dominated environments. The importance of mentorship and female representation in leadership roles, and advocating for oneself in business. Building a supportive workplace culture, especially concerning health and safety, and maintaining trust and integrity. Handling workplace dynamics like gossip, setting boundaries, and managing professional communication with humor. In This Episode: [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:22] Meet Maya Cadena [00:05:51] The growth of Vetted [00:08:27] Lessons from entrepreneurial journey [00:14:04] Startup success: investors, self-reflection, and hiring the right fit [00:21:15] Identifying team fit early [00:23:18] The importance of candor [00:24:04] Weirdest workplace moment [00:26:30] The week in work: CVS CEO ouster bias [00:32:10] Overcoming networking challenges [00:33:31] Confronting dismissive language [00:37:37] Defining leadership and standards [00:40:48] Merit vs. gender in leadership [00:45:16] Listener question on COVID-19 policies [00:54:05] Listener question on gossip [01:05:01] Cringeworthy autocorrect mistakes [01:09:42] Closing remarks and thanks Notable Quotes [00:03:17] "I started Vetted Pet Health because as a French bulldog mom, I was going to the vet a lot. There are certain breeds that have a lot of health conditions, and really, you just need to constantly do things for them in order for it not to get worse." — Maya Cadena [00:16:05] "I've made a lot of mistakes, and I'm very thankful for them. I know that maybe it sounds cliché, but I promise you that those mistakes have taught me so much about myself." — Maya Cadena [00:20:08] "If you're spending a certain majority of that time thinking about imposter syndrome, it's best to just separate ways. It's best for everyone, for Vetted, for the company, it's best for the individual because they will constantly feel that they're failing." — Maya Cadena [00:21:52] "It's really hard. I'm not going to make it sound easy. I like all of them. I hired them because I think they're great people, and I believed in them in that phase." — Maya Cadena [00:24:47] "I basically conducted a board meeting in the bathroom of a Marriott hotel. I sat on the floor, the laptop was on the toilet seat, and I just sat there and looked all professional." — Maya Cadena I have found that the passive aggressive attitudes are the worst behaviors. It is better to have someone be straight up aggressive because then it’s clear and then you can say “unacceptable”. But passive aggressive is hard to weed out. —Maya Cadena Resources and Links Maya Cadena Website LinkedIn Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website LinkedIn Workplace Weirdness Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com SpeakPipe Website Instagram
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    44 min
  • Treating Trauma with AI Plus AWOL Coworker

    Treating Trauma with AI Plus AWOL Coworker
    Feb 5 2025
    Can AI help heal trauma—and what does that mean for the workplace? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky welcomes Omer Golan, serial entrepreneur and founder of MyWhatIf, a nonprofit using AI to transform trauma care. Omer’s remarkable journey—from surviving a life-altering event to building cutting-edge solutions for mental health—is as inspiring as it is thought-provoking. And yes, you’ll also hear the unforgettable story about a mobster landlord dropping a quarter-million dollars in cash on his office couch. Maya and Omer also dive into workplace realities, including burnout, vulnerability in leadership, and finding stability in high-pressure environments. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways How MyWhatIf uses technology to offer judgment-free trauma care and reignite hope. The importance of managing workplace expectations and providing employees with decompression time. Why authentic, empathetic leadership fosters stronger, more cohesive teams. Embracing open communication to build inclusive workplace dynamics. Tips for managing emotional outbursts and staying resilient under pressure. Finding stability amid frequent leadership changes and volatile environments. In This Episode: [00:00] Omer Golan's introduction [01:28] AI and mental health support [02:52] The role of AI in therapy [05:12] AI as a non-judgmental tool for mental health [06:45] How AI helps rewrite personal stories [10:30] The concept of the "hope switch" and AI's role in reactivating it [15:20] Omer Golan's personal trauma story and recovery [20:45] The non-profit AI foundation and its mission [26:29] Omer Golan's reflection on unrealistic workplace expectations [30:15] Burnout and its connection to trauma [35:50] The importance of vulnerability in leadership [40:10] How AI can reduce burnout in the workplace [45:30] The importance of focusing on unique human skills in the age of AI Notable Quotes [05:12] "AI is kind of like therapy in the sense that it mirrors back to you everything that you're putting into it." — Omer Golan [06:45] "With AI, there's no judgment. There's no need to build trust. You trust it. It's there, it doesn't judge, it offers an ear so to speak, and it helps you rewrite your story in a way that a human could never help." — Omer Golan [30:15] "Burnout definitely leads to trauma... You need to really dig deep inside of you and make sure that you don't get people to burn out. Otherwise, you might win a battle, but you're not going to win the war." — Omer Golan [35:50] "Vulnerability is like a muscle... If you practice and you just put yourself out there in a smart way, it helps build a culture of openness and sharing." — Omer Golan [40:10] "AI can reduce burnout... If you think about AI as a tool that helps you, you can create automations for all your repetitive tasks, and now you're free to focus on meaningful things that are way more human." — Omer Golan [45:30] "People should focus on their soft skills, on what makes them unique and human... If there's something that I can add as a person that makes it unique, that makes it me, that AI cannot possibly provide, I should really focus on that." — Omer Golan Resources and Links Omer Golan MyWhatif LinkedIn Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website LinkedIn Workplace Weirdness Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com SpeakPipe Website Instagram 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.
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    44 min
  • Surviving Small-Town Imposter Syndrome and Meditation Bias

    Surviving Small-Town Imposter Syndrome and Meditation Bias
    Jan 22 2025
    What if the key to a thriving workplace was something as simple as play? Could fostering creativity, community, and cognitive development unlock innovation and connection among employees? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky is joined by Yolonda Deon, founder of Mindful Play Learning, to discuss the power of "play" in the workplace. Yolonda, a certified birth and postpartum doula, shares her unique journey and insights on mindful play, highlighting how it fosters a positive work culture. They explore the three C's of play—community, creativity, and cognitive development—and how these elements improve engagement and productivity. Tune in for practical advice on mentorship, mindfulness, and embracing imperfections to build a more fulfilling work environment. Key Takeaways The significance of play in the workplace and its impact on work culture The three C's of play: community, creativity, and cognitive development The consequences of a lack of play in office environments, including toxicity and dysfunction The importance of intergenerational mentorship and learning from both successes and mistakes Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome in professional settings The value of mindfulness practices in the workplace and addressing judgment from colleagues The importance of authenticity and self-acceptance in navigating workplace challenges Encouragement for organizations to redefine play and create supportive environments for employees In This Episode [00:01:11] Introduction to Yolonda Deon [00:01:38] Yolonda's first doula experience [00:04:36] The three C's of play [00:07:27] Role of play in office culture [00:10:46] Weirdest workplace moment [00:14:46] Trends in work and career paths [00:20:11] Leveraging employee creativity [00:23:18] Intergenerational play in the workplace [00:26:27] Imposter syndrome in social situations [00:28:10] Navigating social interactions [00:32:39] Mindfulness in a toxic environment [00:33:58] Addressing workplace comments [00:36:16] Workplace friendships vs. colleagues [00:41:15] Handling mistakes in professional settings [00:46:06] Closing thoughts Notable Quotes [00:07:54] "When play is not a part of workplace culture, that's when you get the toxicity. That's when things don't always go well. That's when we find that there are problems in the workspace." — Yolonda Deon [00:23:34] "We learn through our elders, either through their triumphs or their mistakes, and that's important for them to be able to reach back and teach the next generation." — Yolonda Deon [00:26:27] "I think imposter syndrome is such a big thing in this world that we live in now." — Yolonda Deon [00:32:39] "If going to that meditation room helps you to feel better, then focus on that. Keep meditating, keep doing your thing, and if you feel like you need to go to someone, go talk to HR and let them take care of it for you." — Yolonda Deon [00:44:21] "My heart is always in the right place. I never mean to hurt anyone's feelings or make anyone feel uncomfortable. Charge it to my head, not my heart." — Yolonda Deon Resources and Links Yolonda Deon Website LinkedIn Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website LinkedIn Workplace Weirdness Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com SpeakPipe Website Instagram
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    46 min
  • Cracking Gen Z Recognition, Jealous Bosses, And Stinky Offices

    Cracking Gen Z Recognition, Jealous Bosses, And Stinky Offices
    Jan 8 2025
    What makes a workplace truly exceptional? Is it the recognition employees receive—or how meaningful that recognition really is? How can leaders inspire trust, foster strong team dynamics, and bridge the generational gap? And when those awkward moments inevitably pop up—how do you handle them with finesse and empathy? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky is joined by the ever-inspiring David Homan—a CEO, composer, and superconnector. David's impact advisory firm orchestrates connections between startups, funds, and nonprofits, building relationships that scale and drive growth across industries. Together, Maya and David explore the importance of recognition in Gen Z’s work life, offering fresh insights on balancing meaningful appreciation with the pressures of workplace expectations. But that's not all. They dive into the tricky terrain of managing a jealous boss, and yes, they even tackle the not-so-pleasant subject of how to lead a conversation about an awkward office smell—because let’s face it, these moments happen. Tune in for a conversation packed with wisdom on leadership, recognition, and navigating those everyday workplace oddities. Key Takeaways The importance of recognition in the workplace, especially for Gen Z employees Generational differences in workplace expectations and validation Strategies for dealing with a jealous boss and maintaining professional relationships The significance of empathy and curiosity in leadership and team dynamics How to balance meaningful appreciation with superficial recognition How to address awkward situations in the office, such as personal hygiene issues The role of humor in easing uncomfortable conversations Creating a culture of trust and open communication within organizations The impact of personal experiences on workplace interactions and relationships Encouraging authenticity and understanding in navigating workplace dynamics In This Episode: [01:14] - Introduction to David Homan [09:32] - David’s weirdest workplace moment [13:55] - Generational differences in recognition [21:32] - Curiosity and empathy in leadership [25:34] - Addressing jealousy in the workplace [28:31] - Finding balance in workplace culture [34:43] - Listener's struggle with small talk [42:26] - Addressing awkward office smells [48:01] - Handling difficult conversations Notable Quotes [00:19:18] "Maybe they weren't recognized and praised as much, they had to develop their own self-praise or their own systems in order to handle not being praised or being criticized." — Maya Kadar Kovalsky [00:21:32] "Leaders should embody the skills that are necessary, like curiosity, empathy, generosity, and gratitude." — David Homan [00:22:30] "If you need something to justify yourself, what is it feeding? It's feeding an emptiness, which means that you have self-work to do." — David Homan [00:23:45] "How dare I ever assume that what I am feeling is more important than what somebody else is going through?" — David Homan [00:32:51] "I led an organization for years where very few people I worked with ever asked how I was." — David Homan [00:47:19] "There’s a way to say things in a way that hopefully is not demeaning, like talking heart to heart and just telling you that you’re going to do better with everybody on this team if they feel comfortable around you." — Maya Kadar Kovalsky [00:49:19] "If you’re not diminishing the person, you’re commenting on the situation. Eventually, if they have any maturity, they will handle it and move on from it." — David Homan Resources and Links David Homan LinkedIn Orchestrated Connecting Website Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website LinkedIn Workplace Weirdness Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com SpeakPipe Website Instagram
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    51 min
  • Handling Election-Year Politics and Other Office Power Plays

    Handling Election-Year Politics and Other Office Power Plays
    Dec 25 2024
    What truly makes or breaks a thriving workplace? From whispered favoritism to tense political discussions during election seasons, the workplace is often a microcosm of life's most complex dynamics. These challenges don’t just shape daily interactions; they ripple through employee morale, mental health, and even career trajectories. Add in the need for authenticity, self-advocacy, and mentorship—especially for underrepresented groups like the Latinx community—and the stakes are even higher. In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with John Staines, managing partner of DHR Global Human Resources, to discuss peculiar office dynamics. John shares his extensive HR experience and his dedication to mentoring the Latinx community. They address issues like favoritism, political discussions at work, and the importance of authenticity. John advises on navigating favoritism by focusing on one's contributions and suggests maintaining professionalism during peer reviews. The episode underscores the significance of open, civil conversations and fostering a positive workplace culture, even during contentious times like election seasons. Don’t miss this chance to reshape how you approach workplace challenges! Tune in now, and let’s start building healthier, more authentic work environments together. Key Takeaways Favoritism in the workplace and its impact on employee morale Insights on navigating political discussions during election seasons The Importance of authenticity and self-advocacy in professional settings Mentoring and support for the Latinx community in the workplace Strategies for handling negative feedback and peer reviews The significance of mental health and well-being in workplace culture Encouragement of open communication and respectful dialogue among colleagues The role of leaders in fostering a positive and inclusive workplace environment In This Episode: [01:15] - Introduction to John Staines [05:21] - Advice for young Latinx professionals [09:01] - John's weirdest workplace moment [11:03] - Navigating political conversations in the workplace [21:35] - Listener question on favoritism [26:13] - Listener question on peer review feedback [30:12] - Importance of authenticity [34:33] - Cringeworthy listener question [39:06] - Conclusion and thank you Notable Quotes [02:22] "I started coaching and mentoring when I was in leadership positions, and then when I left the corporate world about five years ago, I decided this is going to be part of my mission. I want to help emerging Latino leaders." — John Staines [07:47] "You really need to be able to see yourself with that team. I remember going into some early job interviews and actually coming out and closing my eyes and saying to myself, can I see myself getting along with the people here?" — Maya Kadar Kovalsky [18:44] "People are going to say things, shame on them for saying it, but shame on you if you bite. If you take the bait, don't react." — John Staines [32:05] "If you are anxious to go into the office every day, and you feel stressed, and you don't sleep well, that's the wrong culture for you. Your health is more important than anything else." — John Staines Resources and Links John Staines LinkedIn DHR Global Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website LinkedIn Workplace Weirdness Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com SpeakPipe Website Instagram
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    41 min
  • Navigating Micromanagement and Awkward Moments at Work

    Navigating Micromanagement and Awkward Moments at Work
    Dec 11 2024
    Are you tired of feeling like you’re stuck in a bizarre workplace circus? Ever wonder how those cringe-worthy micromanagement moments or awkward encounters can actually be transformed into stepping stones for growth? Welcome to the very first episode of Workplace Weirdness! Join host Maya Kadar Kovalsky as she kicks off this exciting journey into the quirks and challenges of the modern workplace. In this debut episode, Maya chats with the incredible Kavita Vora, Chief People Officer of BrainPOP, as they delve into the complexities of workplace dynamics, sharing personal anecdotes and addressing listener questions. They discuss challenges like micromanagement, emphasizing the importance of open communication and setting boundaries. The conversation also covers the nuances of remote work, including video fatigue during virtual meetings, and strategies for delivering difficult news with empathy. Throughout the episode, they underscore the value of humor and vulnerability in fostering a positive work environment, and the importance of empathy, communication, and resilience in navigating workplace challenges. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways Challenges of micromanagement and its impact on employee autonomy Importance of open communication between employees and managers Strategies for managing remote work dynamics, including video meeting etiquette Approaches to delivering difficult news to teams, such as layoffs The role of humor in diffusing tension and fostering a relaxed work atmosphere Building trust and empathy among colleagues through shared vulnerabilities Navigating the complexities of hybrid work environments Encouraging proactive leadership and accountability in workplace relationships Embracing the quirks and weirdness of office culture for personal growth and connection In This Episode [00:01] - Introduction to Kavita Vora [04:07] - The importance of laughter in leadership [04:40] - Kavita's career path [07:45] - Skills transition from finance to HR [10:50] - Challenges of remote work [17:54] - Answering Listener Questions [21:09] - Managing up: Owning your narrative [24:08] - On-camera expectations in meetings [25:13] - Zoom burnout and engagement [30:02] - Navigating leadership challenges [35:44] - Embracing vulnerability and connection [37:49] - Mini Weirdness [40:00] - Closing remarks Notable Quotes [12:54] "I wish I had people around me, but I totally understand. You can't go to extremes. It depends on which industry, of course. If you're doing work that needs to be done out of a factory, there's no way to do that remotely." — Maya Kadar Kovalsky [21:49] "If you're going to ask me every five minutes what I'm doing, I can't get anything done." — Maya Kadar Kovalsky [28:43] "If they're feeling it's difficult, their team is probably feeling it difficult, and it is hard to lead through these moments." — Kavita Vora [33:00] "I think that you're right that the management should have communicated better, but they didn't for whatever reason they had." —Maya Kadar Kovalsky [37:24] "It's better to just move on quickly and not let it ruin your day or your week or your month." — Maya Kadar Kovalsky [38:15] "Vulnerability makes you look more human and people feel empathy towards you." — Kavita Vora [39:09] "The biggest CEO of the biggest company has had an embarrassing moment, and we just have to acknowledge that it's part of the journey." — Maya Kadar Kovalsky Resources and Links Kavita Vora LinkedIn Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website LinkedIn Workplace Weirdness Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com SpeakPipe Website
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    41 min
  • Workplace Weirdness - Trailer

    Workplace Weirdness - Trailer
    Nov 21 2024
    Welcome to "Workplace Weirdness," the 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!
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    2 min