
Hosted by Ken Cameron & Russell Stratton · EN

In a world full of corporate buzzwords, AI-generated fluff, and leadership jargon that could put a caffeinated squirrel to sleep, real storytelling cuts through like a hot knife through the B.S.Our guest this week, Dr. Rod Berger, has made a career of doing exactly that. As the author of The Narrative Edge, Rod is a strategic storyteller, keynote speaker, and media contributor whose 4,000+ interviews span the globe—from Magic Johnson to heads of state, and even an audience with Pope Francis.Rod joins us to share how authentic narratives transcend the noise of a fast-paced business world—highlighting what happens when leaders stop performing and start telling the truth from the inside out.In This Episode:How strategic storytelling builds authentic leadershipLessons from interviewing global icons like Magic Johnson and Pope FrancisWhy authenticity—not polish—makes stories stickThe most difficult business conversation Rod’s ever had (and no, it wasn’t with the partner who embezzled from his company)What happened later that day with his wife—and why that conversation mattered moreAbout Our Guest:Rod Berger, Psy.D. is the author of The Narrative Edge and a leading voice in strategic storytelling. With over 4,000 interviews under his belt, Rod brings a unique blend of psychological insight and media savvy to leaders, organizations, and audiences worldwide.Resources from this episode:Order The Narrative Edge by Dr. Rod Berger herePre-order the audio book hereSubscribe & Share:If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Share it with your colleagues who might need a fresh perspective on thriving in challenging work environments!— Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace ConversationsAvailable on:AmazonOwl's Nest BooksShelf Life BooksVisit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Russell sits down with Lisa-Maree Blumenfeld, founder of Retain, LLC, to explore the critical role of HR in helping businesses scale effectively. Lisa-Maree is a seasoned HR leader with experience across startups and Fortune 500 companies. Her passion for supporting early to mid-stage startups led her to create Retain, a firm dedicated to helping founders build strong HR foundations while providing managers and executives with dynamic training, Enneagram coaching, and executive coaching.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How HR serves as a clearer of obstacles and risk analyzer, allowing businesses to move fast without unnecessary roadblocksWhy companies need strategic HR from the beginningA cautionary tale about a free bar, hot tubs, and a founder who didn’t listen—and why HR’s advice should never be ignored!Lisa-Maree shares insights from her vast experience, offering practical advice for startup leaders looking to build a strong, people-focused foundation.Contact Lisa-Maree Blumenfeld:LinkedInRetain HREleven AppSubscribe & Share:If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Share it with your colleagues who might need a fresh perspective on thriving in challenging work environments!— Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace ConversationsAvailable on:AmazonOwl's Nest BooksShelf Life BooksVisit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com

In this episode of I Need To F**ing Talk To You*, Ken and Russell sit down with Eric Charran, visionary technology executive and author of Have You Ever Had a Boss That…: Succeeding in a Dysfunctional Workplace.Eric’s book offers practical strategies for navigating challenging workplace dynamics, helping professionals not only survive but thrive in the face of difficult managers and dysfunctional environments. Drawing from over 25 years of experience leading digital transformation, data-driven strategies, and AI innovation across global enterprises, Eric shares insights on:The different types of difficult bosses you might encounter.How to tailor your approach to thrive at every stage of your career.Building resilience and maintaining focus in challenging work cultures.His experiences of working for a 'Firefighter Boss'Connect with Eric Charran:Website: PRByTheBook.comLinkedIn: Eric CharranBook: Have You Ever Had a Boss That…: Succeeding in a Dysfunctional Workplace available on AmazonSubscribe & Share:If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Share it with your colleagues who might need a fresh perspective on thriving in challenging work environments!—We hope you enjoy the episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your colleagues, and reach out to us with your thoughts at info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.— Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace ConversationsAvailable on:AmazonOwl's Nest BooksShelf Life BooksVisit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com

In this episode of I Need to F**ing Talk to You*, Ken and Russell sit down with Tiffany Petite, CEO and Co-founder of Virtuous Circle Counselling. With over 15 years of experience as a registered clinical social worker, Tiffany is on a mission to redefine how mental health services are delivered. She shares her journey of co-founding Virtuous Circle Counselling and how her evidence-based, client-centered approach is breaking down barriers to mental health care.Tiffany talks about the importance of tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs of every individual, fostering resilience, and promoting personal growth. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of leading a counselling organization in today’s rapidly changing world. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about creating transformative mental health services and how businesses can incorporate empathy and mental wellness into their leadership practices.Connect with Tiffany Petite:LinkedIn: Tiffany PetiteWebsite: Virtuous Circle Counselling—We hope you enjoy the episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your colleagues, and reach out to us with your thoughts at info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.— Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace ConversationsAvailable on:AmazonOwl's Nest BooksShelf Life BooksVisit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com

In this special F-ng New Year Edition of I Need to F***ing Talk to You, Ken and Russell take a moment to remember and celebrate the lives of four figures from the world of show business who passed away in 2024. From comedy legends to music pioneers and media visionaries, they reflect on the impact these individuals had on their respective industries and on popular culture.Join Ken and Russell as they share their thoughts and memories of:Bob Newhart: The beloved comedian whose dry wit and unique brand of humor left an indelible mark on television and stand-up comedy.Paul Di'Anno: The original lead vocalist of the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden, whose influence on the genre can still be felt today.Dr. Ruth Westheimer: The pioneering sex therapist who made sexual health and relationships mainstream and accessible, breaking barriers with her candid advice and warm, approachable personality.Norman Jewison: The renowned film director and producer whose body of work includes timeless classics like Fiddler on the Roof, In the Heat of the Night, and Jesus Christ Superstar.In this episode, Ken and Russell reminisce, laugh, and reflect on the legacies of these cultural trailblazers, celebrating their contributions to entertainment and beyond. Tune in for a heartfelt and humorous tribute to an eclectic group of very different talents.Clips mentioned in this episode:Bob Newhart 'Bus Drivers School' Paul Di'Anno with Iron Maiden 'Remember Tomorrow'—We hope you enjoy the episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your colleagues, and reach out to us with your thoughts at info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.— Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace ConversationsAvailable on:AmazonOwl's Nest BooksShelf Life BooksVisit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com

In this special Christmas edition of I Need To F***ing Talk To You, Ken and Russell take a break from their usual workplace conversation tips to recommend some must-read books that will make the perfect addition to your holiday stocking. Whether you're looking to level up your communication skills, sharpen your strategy, or dive into some thought-provoking ideas, these books are sure to inspire you in the year ahead.Books Discussed in This Episode:The Invisible Asset: How Good Communication Can Fix Almost Everything by Simon HeathLearn how improving your communication can solve problems, enhance relationships, and lead to success in both personal and professional settings.This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans by Seth GodinA must-read for anyone looking to make smarter decisions and craft more effective strategies, with insights from one of the world’s top marketing experts.Honey Trap Marketing: The 5-Step Formula to Magnetizing Your Ideal Buyers in Less Than 2 Hours Per Week by Deirdre TshienDiscover the secrets behind creating marketing strategies that attract and engage your ideal customers—without spending endless hours on outreach.The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense by Dr. Gad SaadIn this fascinating read, Dr. Saad explores how certain ideologies spread like viruses and challenge common sense, offering a critical perspective on the importance of rational thinking.Join Ken and Russell as they discuss how these books have shaped their thinking, how they can benefit your personal and professional growth, and why they make the perfect gifts for anyone looking to get ahead in 2025!Resources Mentioned in the episode:https://www.sethgodin.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-saad-truth-with-dr-saad/id1516343565—We hope you enjoy the episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your colleagues, and reach out to us with your thoughts at info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.— Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace ConversationsAvailable on:AmazonOwl's Nest BooksShelf Life BooksVisit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com

Rob Lion shares how he botched a performance feedback conversation with his team member: AND, on a better note, how called out a “constant complainer” on his team. Rob is the Co-Founder of Black River Performance Management and a professor of human resource development at Idaho State University where his teaching and research focus on organizational psychology and behaviour. Rob is an experienced business owner himself in the food and beverage, personal fitness, and business development industries and has over a decade of work in economic development. In those roles, he says, he saw too many people leaving pieces of their soul in the workplace. And that’s what drives him to nurture better leaders. If you’re enjoying this conversation with Rob and your looking for a good place to start, you might try # 93 with Carlos Alvarenga (Apple Podcasts | Spotify)#25 with Todd Hirsch (Apple Podcasts | Spotify)#99 with Adam Kolozetti (Apple Podcasts | Spotify)You can find out more about Rob and Black River Performance Management at BlackRiverPM.comAnd connect with him on LinkedIn here—We hope you enjoy the episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your colleagues, and reach out to us with your thoughts at info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.— Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace ConversationsAvailable on:AmazonOwl's Nest BooksShelf Life BooksVisit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com

In this episode, Russell sits down with Cher McArthur, the founder of Humming Bee, to discuss the complexities and challenges of human resources. With over 20 years of HR and leadership experience across various industries, Cher and her team at Humming Bee specialize in helping leaders navigate potential minefields such as performance management, conflict resolution, training and development programs, and work distribution.Cher's approach to HR is anything but one-size-fits-all. She believes that each organization has its own unique needs, and she is dedicated to developing customized solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term. Tune in to hear her insights on how to tailor HR strategies to fit the specific dynamics of any business and how leaders can foster a more harmonious and productive workplace.Cher McArthur - Founder of Humming Bee, a consulting firm dedicated to guiding leaders through HR challenges with tailored solutions. With expertise in multiple HR disciplines, Cher's approach is rooted in understanding the unique needs of each organization to drive success.Connect with Humming Bee:Website: Humming BeeLinkedIn: Cher McArthur—We hope you enjoy the episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your colleagues, and reach out to us with your thoughts at info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.— Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace ConversationsAvailable on:AmazonOwl's Nest BooksShelf Life BooksVisit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com

Katelyn tells us about the difficult conversation she had with a colleague who touched her inappropriately in the workplace … and why she chose not to escalate to HR. She also tells us how she almost lost her company during the pandemic but instead grew her business 5X over the next three years through the power of social media connection. Most importantly, she tells us why it’s important to be friendly at the Tim Horton’s drive thru. Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Don’t call people out - call them in—We hope you enjoy the episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your colleagues, and reach out to us with your thoughts at info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.— Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace ConversationsAvailable on: AmazonOwl's Nest BooksShelf Life BooksVisit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com

Join Cheryl Crumb as she shares wisdom form her career as a trainer, a coach and a guide who works with clients to bring the voice of the customer into their organizations. Machines tend to be predictable and don’t get mad at you, but human beings are unpredictable and emotional. Producing a cohesive team dedicated to creating an Extraordinary Customer Experience requires rigorous processes, an empowered workforce and enlightened leadership. This magical combination doesn’t happen by accident… it’s both a top down and bottom up approach. Cheryl also shares her most difficult conversation: a clean up conversation with a close friend that she let down. If you have a relationship that you’ve left dangling, you’ll find the ease with which she repaired bridges to be inspiring. —We hope you enjoy the episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your colleagues, and reach out to us with your thoughts at info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.— Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace ConversationsAvailable on:AmazonOwl's Nest BooksShelf Life BooksVisit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com