Podcast
Relationships at Work - a trust-driven leadership podcast
Hosted by Russel Lolacher · EN
Relationships at Work - the leadership podcast helping you build workplace connection, improve culture, and avoid blind spots.
A relatable and honest show on leadership, organizational culture and soft skills, focusing on improving employee engagement and company culture to inspire people to apply, stay and thrive.
Because no one wants leadership that fosters toxic environments at work, nor should they.
Host, speaker and communications leader Russel Lolacher shares his experience and insights, discussing the leadership and corporate culture topics that matter with global experts help us with the success of our organizations (regardless of industry). This show will give you the information, education, strategies and tips you need to avoid leadership blind spots, better connect with all levels of our organization, and develop the necessary soft skills that are essential to every organization.
From leadership development and training to employee satisfaction to diversity, inclusivity, equity and belonging to personalization and engagement... there are so many aspects and opportunities to build great relationships at work
This is THE place to start and nurture our leadership journey and create an amazing workplace.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Purpose Isn’t a Poster on the Wall
5d ago00:57:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Relationships at Work, host and leadership expert Russel Lolacher speaks with business leader, speaker, CEO and author Rick Yvanovich on how purpose can help leaders and organizations navigate constant change.Rick shares why purpose is more than a goal, how the post-COVID workplace has reshaped our relationship with work, and why organizations need to make purpose real through clarity, equity, and action. The conversation explores hybrid work, generational expectations, personal values, and why leaders need to stop treating purpose as a slogan and start using it as a guide for better decisions.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime
Transcribe →When a Problem Isn’t a Challenge or An Opportunity
1w ago00:10:43Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host and leadership/communication expert Russel Lolacher explores why the words leaders use when things go wrong matter more than we think.A problem, challenge, and opportunity can all be useful terms — but they are not always interchangeable. Russel looks at how well-intended positivity can sometimes dilute urgency, dismiss employee reality, or create a culture where people feel they have to soften the truth.This episode is a reminder that trust-driven leadership is not about choosing the most optimistic word. It is about choosing the most accurate one — and helping teams move forward with honesty, clarity, and care.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime
Transcribe →How Leaders Build Employee Buy-In
2w ago00:43:58Tap to summarizeWhat makes employees truly buy into their work, their team, and their organization?In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks with business strategist, leadership coach, and author Dave Garrison about what drives employee buy-in and why so many teams slide into disengagement. Dave shares why leaders often unintentionally shut people down, how curiosity and vulnerability create stronger connection, and what it takes to build a culture where people feel ownership, trust, and real commitment to the work.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime
Transcribe →Risk Aversion Is Not a Leadership Strategy
2w ago00:08:46Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host and leadership expert Russel Lolacher explores the difference between risk aversion and risk awareness — and why playing it safe can quietly damage trust, engagement, innovation, and culture.Russel shares how leaders can move beyond fear-based decision-making by asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and creating space for thoughtful experimentation. Because doing nothing is still a decision — and sometimes the riskiest one.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime
Transcribe →What Nature Teaches Us About Leadership
3w ago00:51:37Tap to summarizeWhat if better leadership isn’t found in management books, but in nature itself?In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks with executive coach and author Kelly Wendorf about what leaders can learn from nature to build healthier teams and stronger workplace cultures. Drawing from her book Flying Lead Change, Kelly shares insights on trust, psychological safety, curiosity, conflict, and why thriving leadership may look more like ecosystems than hierarchies. A fresh perspective on moving from power over to power with leadership.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime
Transcribe →Stop Saying Yes To Work Like It's Leadership
3w ago00:09:50Tap to summarizeSaying yes isn’t leadership.In this episode, Russel Lolacher explores the hidden cost of constant agreement — and how it impacts your team’s capacity, priorities, and performance. Learn how to stay collaborative, set boundaries, and make better decisions about when to say yes… and when not to.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime
Transcribe →Conscious Leadership Without Causing Harm
4w ago01:06:28Tap to summarizeWhat does conscious leadership actually look like at work?In this episode, Russel Lolacher talks with coaches Trevor Stevenson and Dale Allen of Conscious Lead Life about self-awareness, triggers, power, and how leaders can show up with more intention, care, and impact.If you want to lead without overpowering others or operating on autopilot, this conversation is for you.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime
Transcribe →I Don't Have To. I Get To.
Apr 1600:08:36Tap to summarizeA single phrase overheard on a podcast stopped Russel mid-step — and it's been on his desk ever since. In this episode, communications and leadership veteran Russel Lolacher explores how swapping two small words can shift you from feeling buried by your day to actually owning it.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime
Transcribe →Why Most Leaders Get Motivation Wrong
Mar 3000:59:43Tap to summarizeWhat actually motivates people at work? In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher talks with leadership advisor, researcher, and The Motivation Mix co-author James Root about why motivation isn’t one-size-fits-all. James shares how outdated workplace assumptions continue to shape leadership, talent, and team dynamics — and why understanding what truly drives people is essential to building healthier cultures and better results. A practical conversation on motivation, individuality, and leading people more effectively.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime
Transcribe →You Can Over-Communicate
Mar 2600:07:03Tap to summarizeWe hear it all the time in leadership: “You can’t over-communicate.” But that’s not always true. In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores how too much communication can feel patronizing, overwhelming, or even damaging to trust. This episode looks at why great leadership communication isn’t about repetition for repetition’s sake—it’s about reading the room, understanding your audience, and adapting your message with intention. And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime
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