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

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

By: Local Wisdom
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 Pinaki Kathiari & Chris Lee challenge traditional best practices in the workplace2023 Local Wisdom Career Success Economics Philosophy Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Ep 10 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Entitled?

    Ep 10 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Entitled?
    Aug 7 2025
    Season 2, Episode 10: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Feel Entitled at Work? Episode DescriptionIs feeling entitled at work… actually a bad thing?In the Season 2 finale of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee challenge the stigma around workplace entitlement. They explore what happens when expectations don’t match reality when it comes to salary assumptions and generational values to promotions, office return mandates, and even who gets to speak up.Together, they unpack:What “entitlement” really means—and why it’s become a dirty wordWhy everyone feels entitled to something (yes, including employers)The difference between healthy self-worth and toxic expectationsGenerational gaps in defining success, fairness, and work ethicHow social media, corporate culture, and experience gaps shape what people think they deserveWhat to do when you feel undervalued, overworked, or overlookedAnd why the employer-employee relationship should be a mutual exchange, not a power imbalanceIt’s a vulnerable, witty, and wise closer to a season full of deep dives into the human experience at work. Timestamps00:00 – Do some generations feel more entitled than others?02:00 – What is entitlement, really? A mismatch between cause and effect04:30 – Remote work expectations and the post-pandemic “entitlement bubble”07:00 – Why confidence isn’t the same as readiness (but both show up at work)09:00 – What are we universally entitled to—and where things get murky11:00 – Gen Z’s idea of financial success vs. other generations13:00 – Culture clashes: Structure vs. flexibility, loyalty vs. opportunity15:00 – Employer entitlement: What companies think they deserve17:00 – The history of employer-employee power dynamics20:00 – What happens when people don’t speak up23:00 – Why confidence + lack of experience ≠ arrogance25:00 – Letting go, letting them fail, and learning from new ways of doing things28:00 – Entitlement ≠ laziness: Grit, effort, and advocating for yourself32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right: Books, tools, and reflections Wisdom That Feels So RightThe Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (and TED Talk)Strong, Calm, Confident You by Kelsey BuckholzHow Money Works YouTube channel by Darin SoatThe Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman (for adults and teens)Local Wisdom – Your digital comms partner (like silly putty for your team) Mic-Drop Moments“Entitlement is a byproduct of belief—belief that your effort deserves a return.”“The problem isn’t entitlement. The problem is when our expectations don’t match someone else’s reality.”“We stay human at work by not letting work dehumanize us.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special ThanksTo the people and teams who made Season 2 possible: Brielle Saracini, SBX Productions, and everyone at Local Wisdom. Thank you for helping us stay human while keeping it real. And to our listeners: thank you for letting us in. Stay Human, Stay CuriousWhat’s something you feel entitled to—and why? Did this episode make you reflect, nod, or even cringe a little? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share it, tag us, rate us, and visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to learn how we’re bringing these conversations to teams and stages. 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.
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    38 mins
  • Ep 09 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be a Leader?

    Ep 09 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be a Leader?
    Jul 24 2025
    Season 2, Episode 9: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be a Leader? Episode DescriptionWe’ve all heard it: “Leadership is lonely.” But is it? And if it is, why do so many people still chase it?In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complex question of modern leadership—what motivates people to lead, what makes leadership feel “wrong,” and how our outdated assumptions about leadership may be holding us all back.From Optimus Prime and parental wisdom to feedback fatigue and executive accountability, this conversation challenges traditional ideas and invites a more human-centered definition of leadership.Together, they unpack:Why people pursue leadership (and what they’re not prepared for)The difference between ambition and accountabilityWhat real influence looks like—and why it often isn’t loudThe cultural myths around “leadership material”Why empathy and emotional intelligence matter more than titlesHow to deal with change fatigue, feedback droughts, and the pressure to be perfectAnd what fictional kings, volleyball teams, and business visionaries can teach us about being a better boss Timestamps00:00 – Optimus Prime, Transformers, and the quest for good leadership02:00 – What makes someone “leadership material”? (It’s not what you think)05:00 – The perks vs. the pressure: Why leadership isn’t for everyone07:00 – What studies say motivates people to lead10:00 – Leaders as guardians of people’s lives—not just KPIs12:00 – The weight of being both inspiring and accountable14:00 – History of CEO behavior: From stability to crisis mode17:00 – Trust, ownership, and letting go: What good leaders actually do20:00 – Building diverse teams that don’t all think like you23:00 – Redefining real leadership: Humanocracy and beyond26:00 – Why feedback is vital—and why some leaders hide from it28:00 – The toll of constant change on organizations and people30:00 – Leaders, slow your roll: How too much innovation overwhelms teams32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right: Books, tools, and personal stories Wisdom That Feels So RightGood to Great by Jim CollinsHumanocracy by Gary HamelReality-Based Leadership by Cy WakemanGallagher 2025 Workforce Trends Report (featuring change fatigue insights)Manager Tools – Practical leadership podcast and resourcesTransform Conference – Spring HR and leadership strategy event Mic-Drop Moments“When we win, it’s because of the team. When we lose, it’s on me.”“Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s about knowing when to listen.”“Awesome resumes don’t make awesome leaders. Human ones do.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special ThanksCheers to Local Wisdom , they are spackle for communication teams. For 25 years they've filled talent and technology gaps for the top brands in the world while leading with heart and showing what leadership can really be. Thank you to our producer Brielle Saracini and our partners at SBX Productions for keeping our sound as sharp as our thinking. Reflect + ShareWhat do you wish leaders understood better? What makes a leader worth following in your experience? We want to hear from you. Tag us, review the show, or send us your “WTF leadership” moments—and don’t forget to visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to bring these convos into your company. 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.
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    37 mins
  • Ep 08 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong (Or Good) to Gossip?

    Ep 08 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong (Or Good) to Gossip?
    Jul 10 2025
    Season 2, Episode 8: Why Does It Feel So Wrong (or Good) to Gossip at Work? Episode Description“Don’t tell anyone, but…” As soon as you hear those words, you lean in. Gossip—it’s irresistible, unavoidable, and often misunderstood.In this juicy and thoughtful episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complicated nature of gossip in the workplace. Is it toxic? Is it therapeutic? Or is it something in between?They dig into:Why gossip is inevitable—and maybe even necessaryThe fine line between venting and tearing others downHow gossip builds bonds but can break trustThe role of culture, leadership, and communication gaps in fueling rumorsWhen to use gossip strategically (yes, really)Why being left out of the loop feels like exileFrom The Office’s Michael Scott and family drama to internal comms campaigns and informal influence networks, this episode is both lighthearted and layered, offering a refreshingly human take on a taboo topic. Timestamps00:00 – “Don’t tell anyone, but…”: Why we love secrets02:00 – Family gossip, cultural roots, and generational drama04:30 – Defining gossip: How it’s different from information06:30 – Gossip as a spectrum: From malicious to useful08:00 – Psychology Today search exercise: Three expert takes on gossip10:30 – Why it’s satisfying to gossip (and why it’s so human)13:00 – When managers weaponize gossip15:00 – Constructive vs. corrosive: Who gossip serves and hurts17:00 – Gossip as intel: Can it help you navigate people and decisions?20:00 – Gossip as comms strategy: Using the “whisper network” intentionally22:00 – What poor communication breeds: Rumors, not results25:00 – How leaders can stop spinning and start listening27:00 – Heart rate, fear, and sarcasm: Signals we might be miscommunicating29:00 – Do some leaders avoid the truth? Why transparency matters32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right + final thoughts Wisdom That Feels So RightBrave New Work by Aaron DignanReality-Based Leadership by Cy WakemanThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoGallagher 2025 Workforce Trends Report (produced by Sharn Kleiss)Psychology Today Search on “Gossip at Work”Transform Conference – Bold ideas for the future of HR and communication Mic-Drop Moments“Gossip is how humans download each other’s software updates.”“If I’m talking about you to someone else, I’ve either already told you—or I’m ready to tell you now.”“The more fear in your words, the less clarity in your message.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special ThanksMuch love to Local Wisdom for building a home for digital communication unicorns and celebrating 25 years of real talk and strong teams. Huge appreciation to Brielle Saracini for producing this podcast and to our amazing audio crew at SBX Productions (Vince, Taylor, and Bill) for keeping us crisp. Let’s Keep the Conversation GoingDid this episode make you rethink how you talk about others—or yourself—at work? Got a gossip story with a twist? Share your take, tag us, or drop a DM. And if your team’s ready to tackle human workplace truths in a workshop or at your next conference, check out whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 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.
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    35 mins
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