Episodes

  • Breakup Bosses, Big Pivots and the Bro Code

    Breakup Bosses, Big Pivots and the Bro Code
    May 14 2025
    In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with Neil Sharma, co-founder of SolarKal, to explore his fascinating career journey. Neil's story is one of bold transitions—from crunching numbers at Bank of America to rocking out at MTV, and finally making an impact in clean tech. His path proves that pursuing diverse interests can lead to a truly fulfilling career. They dive into listener questions on making career pivots, including transitioning from finance to event planning, navigating an unexpected job offer at a startup, and managing the awkward situation of working with a former online date. This episode unpacks the weird and wonderful aspects of workplace dynamics—showing that adaptability and a positive attitude can help you thrive through unexpected challenges. Key Takeaways Finding joy, purpose, and fulfillment in your work is essential for long-term happiness. Pursue your passion thoughtfully: start small, build on your existing skills, and carefully consider financial realities before making significant changes. Leverage your professional value to negotiate a role that aligns with your personal goals, transforming potential challenges into career opportunities. Adopt a mature and professional attitude, maintaining a courteous and respectful demeanor in the workplace. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction to Neil Sharma [02:33] Navigating Career Changes [08:12] Finding Fulfillment in Solar [12:21] Lessons from Early Career Mistakes [15:31] Weirdest Workplace Moments [24:52] Week in Work: Tesla Protests and Corporate Responsibility [32:59] Listener Question #1: Balancing Passion and Financial Stability [37:33] Listener Question #2: Navigating Career Transitions [43:09] Workplace Weirdness: When Your Ex Becomes Your Boss [46:01] Conclusion and Farewell Notable Quotes [00:09:34] “  At the end of the day, every second of what I do is meaningful.” — Neil [00:11:36] " In my 20’s, I was a banker chasing money. In my 30’s, I was chasing fun. When I crossed into the 40+’s, I’m proud of myself, I was chasing meaning. We all have these life chapters and different stages." — Neil [00:38:48] "You're going to change, and so your career is probably going to have to change with you." — Neil [00:23:54] “  If you're doing what you love, the good stuff happens.” — Neil Resources and Links Neil Sharma SolarKal Website - https://www.solarkal.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-sharma-045117 Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - https://www.mayakadar.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness Email - info@workplace-weirdness.com SpeakPipe http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness Website - http://workplace-weirdness.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/workplaceweirdpod/ 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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    48 mins
  • Southwest Layoffs, JetBlue Origins, and Pregnant Work Travel

    Southwest Layoffs, JetBlue Origins, and Pregnant Work Travel
    Apr 30 2025
    In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky interviews culture-building expert Ann Rhoades, President of Peopleink and Former VP for the people department of Southwest Airlines. With experiences spanning JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and DoubleTree Hotels, Ann has cultivated values-based corporate ecosystems, emphasizing the integral symmetry between employee and customer satisfaction. They discuss Ann's journey from finance to pioneering people-centric corporate cultures, share hilarious and insightful workplace anecdotes including a memorable encounter with a boa constrictor, and answer listener questions about tricky travel scenarios and awkward moments in the office. From Bloody Mary mishaps to the challenges of managing friends, this episode is packed with practical advice and entertaining stories about the quirks of office life. Key Takeaways The importance of grounding organizational culture in clearly defined values and systematic approaches Why hiring based on behaviors indicative of set values—such as integrity and fun—a company can sustain a thriving, consistent culture that resonates with both employees and customers alike The strength of a resilient corporate culture that embraces learning from atypical experiences The necessity of clear communication, empathy, and sometimes firm boundaries—particularly when it comes to safety and respect in professional environments How maintaining a positive, values-driven approach can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and camaraderie In This Episode: [00:00] Introducing Ann Rhoades [04:20] Building a Values-Based Culture [08:17] The Importance of Fun in the Workplace [14:28] Weirdest Workplace Moments [18:27] Southwest Airlines Layoffs [23:18] Listener Question #1: Pregnant Employee's Flight Dilemma [27:46] Listener Question #2: Balancing Friendship and Leadership [32:35] Workplace Weirdness: Navigating Cultural Differences in the Workplace [38:24] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Notable Quotes [00:04:20] “ I learned that you have to be systematic on culture, and it starts with defining who you wanna be.” — Ann [00:06:23] " It's critical that we hire people that represent our values and the behaviors we want because every single interaction with people, we're gonna see that." — Ann [00:38:48] " Don't ever work anywhere where you don't have fun.'" — Ann [00:39:20] “ There are lots of opportunities out there, regardless of what you hear about job cuts right now. There are lots of opportunities for great players. I'm telling you, it doesn't matter. The environment doesn't matter. It matters who you are and what you represent and how you, um, live life happily every day.” — Ann Ann Rhoades PeopleInk Website 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. Resources and Links Ann Rhoades PeopleInk Website 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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    41 mins
  • Ghost Posts, Start-up Takeover Glitches and Desk-Perchers

    Ghost Posts, Start-up Takeover Glitches and Desk-Perchers
    Apr 16 2025
    In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky dives into the peculiarities of office life with guest Menaka Chang, a Fractional Chief People Officer. From an ex-employee treating the office like a personal lounge to navigating bureaucratic slowdowns in startups, they discuss the nuances of building high-performance cultures. They delve into the transition challenges when startups get acquired and how to maintain a performance-driven yet people-first culture. Tune in for insights on maintaining a people-first culture while still being performance-driven! Key Takeaways The significance of blending various life and career experiences to enhance leadership and team dynamics in rapidly growing companies The pivotal role of positive corporate culture in fostering robust employee engagement Why people-first cultures may conflict with performance-driven environments The challenges of adapting to a slower, more bureaucratic workplace environment following a corporate acquisition The importance of adaptability, communication, and humor in the workplace In This Episode 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 01:09 - Meet Menaka Chang 08:36 - High Performers and Interview Techniques 14:01 - Weirdest Workplace Moment 16:33 - Week in Work: Ghost Job Listings 25:37 - Listener Question #1: Job Offers 27:52 - Listener Question #2: Startup Slowdowns 36:39 - Workplace Weirdness: Desk Perchers 40:09 - Conclusion and Farewell Notable Quotes [09:28] "The zone of genius is when people really find that they are doing work and they almost feel like no time has passed, where you feel like you're in a flow state and you're doing great work." - Menaka Chang [12:37] " The best companies are performance driven because they are people-first. They treat employees well, they set clear expectations, they reward great work. People perform at their best when those things are happening." - Menaka Chang [26:16] " You should never feel pressured to sign a contract within an hour. That's a huge red flag. It sounds like a scare tactic or disorganized hiring process." - Menaka Chang Resources and Links Menaka Chang LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/menaka-chang Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website https://www.mayakadar.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com SpeakPipe http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness Website https://workplace-weirdness.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/workplaceweirdpod/ 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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    42 mins
  • Meta Layoff Shame, Fake Recruiters and Dodgy Handoffs

    Meta Layoff Shame, Fake Recruiters and Dodgy Handoffs
    Apr 2 2025
    In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with Adam Alpert, serial entrepreneur and founder of Pangea—a global talent marketplace shaking up the way companies hire contract and fractional workers. Adam’s career reads like a startup thriller, packed with wild twists, from pandemic-era "hacker houses" to the awkward nightmare of firing a co-founder while still sharing the same roof. His stories blur the lines between work and life in ways that are equal parts hilarious and brutally honest. They dive into the drama behind Meta’s recent layoffs—what really happened, and what it says about corporate culture today. Listener confessions take center stage, too, with tales of workplace sabotage, printing disasters, and the kind of office mishaps that make you cringe just hearing about them. Adam also shares hard-won lessons from building a startup during COVID, including what happens when your co-founders are also your roommates (spoiler: boundaries tend to go out the window). And if that’s not enough, there’s the story of a CEO who secretly tested employee loyalty and the accidental budget leak that left an entire team scrambling. Whether you’re curious about the future of remote work, navigating messy professional relationships, or just love a good workplace horror story, this episode has it all. Tune in—it’s about to get weird. Key Takeaways How Pangea's fractional work model is transforming hiring (think "human cloud" for talent). The importance of clear boundaries when working (and living) with co-founders. Why vulnerability and shared experiences (like New Year's Eve fondue) strengthen teams. Navigating the fallout from public "low performer" labels in layoffs. Strategies for handling workplace manipulation and ethical dilemmas. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction to Adam Alpert [08:57] Building Pangaea during the pandemic [11:22] Navigating co-founder dynamics [16:07] Weirdest workplace moments [20:11] Meta's layoff controversy [23:49] The reality of job security in tech [26:44] Listener question: Is my boss replacing me? [33:52] Listener question: Recruiter call setup [39:21] Listener question: Printer mistake [43:46] Final thoughts and outro Notable Quotes [00:14:33] "Imagine you're living with the person that you're firing. Oftentimes founders push off that hard decision because it's an awkward conversation. Imagine having that conversation and then seeing that person the next night, the next day, and every single day after that for 180 days." — Adam Alpert [00:17:28] "Spending New Year's together in our home, which was our office, just together, is a thing that most people don't experience in their lives. It was one of the happiest moments of navigating that experience together, and it felt like we had figured out how to live together, work together, and also just be friends together." — Adam Alpert [00:23:37] "When I was in charge of hiring at my old company, if Google let go of people, I was like, great, because we need a data scientist. Small and medium-sized businesses are excited to have anybody who used to work at a big corporation." — Maya Kowalski [00:25:31] “Don't take anything for granted. The company's priorities can change, and you could be out of a job tomorrow." — Adam Alpert Resources and Links Adam Alpert Pangea App LinkedIn Website 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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    46 mins
  • Navigating Creepy Boss Dads and Coasting Co-Workers

    Navigating Creepy Boss Dads and Coasting Co-Workers
    Mar 19 2025
    Some workplace problems have clear solutions, while others leave you wondering, Is this really happening? Imagine working for a small, family-owned business where the boss makes wildly inappropriate comments and hovers over female employees—while his wife, who runs HR, conveniently looks the other way. Do you speak up? Walk away? Just try to survive the workday? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky teams up with executive coach and HR expert Peter Vincent to unravel office chaos—from toxic family businesses and resignations gone wrong to holiday disasters that will make you cringe. With 30+ years of experience, Peter shares real-world advice for handling the moments that leave you speechless. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways How to handle inappropriate behavior in family-run businesses What to do when a coworker quits and leaves you with their mess The impact of generational shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic on workplace culture Rookie mistakes in workplace communication—especially emails that can’t be unsent The emotional toll of making tough decisions, like firing someone How parental leave policies are evolving in the corporate world The power of clear communication and trust in the workplace Strategies for handling awkward social mishaps—like breaking something meaningful to your boss Why sentimental items carry more than just monetary value The right way to apologize (especially when kids are involved) In This Episode: [00:00:00] Introduction to Peter Vincent [00:05:58] Weird workplace moment [00:08:35] The week in work: Netflix's changing parental leave policy [00:16:57] Listener Question #1: Family business issues [00:25:24] Listener Question #2: Handling soon-to-be ex-coworker [00:30:25] Bonus Question: Non-existent emergency leave? [00:35:46] Workplace Weirdness: The holiday party disaster [00:40:33] Closing thoughts Notable Quotes [00:02:24] "The biggest change in HR? The idea that you would hire and work with employees you’ve never met in person. A decade ago, that was unthinkable. Now, it’s the norm." — Peter [00:05:02] "I accidentally sent an email about laying someone off to that person. I heard a groan from two offices down. That was a career moment I’ll never forget." —Peter [00:20:40] "The reason I suggest trying at least internally through HR or whoever to bring it to his attention is I've often seen where when I've gone to a boss and said, 'Hey, one of your employees complained,' the reaction you often get is, 'Why didn't they ever talk to me about it?'" — Peter [00:28:26] "You can be friendly with coworkers, but that doesn’t always mean they’re your friends. A true friend wouldn’t leave you in the lurch on an important project" — Peter [00:30:50] " Kids will be kids, but depending on the age of this little one, could they possibly write an apology letter? Or if not an apology letter, maybe record a little video, a video message that Uh, I'm very sorry. I broke your ornaments to send to the boss." — Maya Resources and Links Peter Vincent Website LinkedIn Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website LinkedIn Workplace Weirdness Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com SpeakPipe Website Instagram Mentioned Georgetown Leadership Coaching Program Wall Street Journal Article on Netflix's Parental Leave Policy Starbucks Parental Leave Policy 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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    43 mins
  • Steering Honesty as a Policy + Awkward Flattery No-Nos

    Steering Honesty as a Policy + Awkward Flattery No-Nos
    Mar 5 2025
    In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with Karen Borchert, founder and CEO of Alpaca, an edtech company dedicated to supporting educators. They dive into the often-overlooked challenges teachers face—especially when it comes to engagement and recognition. Karen shares how Alpaca started with simple care packages and evolved into offering pulse surveys to help schools better understand and support their teachers. But it’s not all serious—Karen lightens the conversation with a hilarious office story involving an unexpected possum visitor. Maya and Karen also tackle some tough listener questions. One employee shares their frustration after feeling a lack of compassion from their manager following a car accident, sparking a discussion on the role of empathy in leadership. Another listener, a male employee, opens up about his discomfort with appearance-related compliments from a senior male colleague, leading to an important conversation about professionalism and setting workplace boundaries. Through it all, Maya and Karen offer practical advice on fostering a workplace culture built on communication, respect, and genuine support. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways Unique challenges faced by teachers in the workplace Importance of employee engagement and recognition in education Development of care packages for teachers to support their needs Use of pulse surveys to gauge teacher sentiment and well-being Differences in workplace dynamics between schools and other sectors The concept of "audacious autonomy" in employee development Role of managers in fostering open communication and understanding Addressing burnout and the need for compassion in leadership Significance of recognizing and rewarding educators' contributions Advantages of entrepreneurship in the Midwest and nurturing local talent Use of structured frameworks for discussing workplace issues (e.g., Situation-Behavior-Impact model) In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction to Karen Borchert [09:37] Karen's weird workplace moment [12:20] Week in Work: Entrepreneurs in the Midwest [22:20] Listener question on honesty in the workplace [29:24] Listener question on compassion [37:59] Workplace weirdness: Cringeworthy compliments [46:19] Conclusion and thanks Notable Quotes “I just love the fact that you're basically embracing the idea of if you're brave enough to try, we're brave enough to give you that support to allow you to try.” — Maya “People always ask us, ‘Where are you finding all these software engineers in the Midwest?’ And we were like, ‘We grow them.’” — Karen “People quit their managers, not their jobs.” — Karen “Learning should be seamless and there should be no barriers to it.” — Karen “Honesty is the best policy. Full stop. The end. On both sides of the equation having a conversation about work, and how you’re doing with work, is a good idea.” — Karen "It’s okay to say that you feel really supported and cared for, but also that you feel really underwater." — Karen Resources and Links Karen Borchert Alpaca 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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    42 mins
  • 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 mins
  • 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 mins