In this episode, we tackle something everyone recognizes, but no one has really tested until now: corporate bullshit.

Inspired by recent research and a Cornell study on the Corporate Bullshit Receptivity Scale, we break down what corporate BS actually is, why it works, and what it says about both the people delivering it and the people buying into it.

We also put it to the test with a game of “Is It Corporate BS?” and discover that real executive communication is often indistinguishable from complete nonsense.

Along the way, we explore a troubling paradox: the people most impressed by corporate jargon may be the least equipped to make good decisions, yet they are often the most satisfied and inspired at work.

As always, we remain the most regularly irregular podcast on the planet, recording only when inspiration strikes.

Key Takeaways

Corporate BS is not just annoying, it can signal poor decision-making
“Semantically empty” language sounds impressive but lacks meaning
People who are more receptive to corporate jargon may rate leaders more highly
There may be a feedback loop where BS-friendly employees elevate BS-speaking leaders
Sometimes corporate BS is not accidental, it can be used intentionally to obscure reality
If you cannot understand something, it is not always because it is smart

Links Referenced

Cornell article on corporate BS:
https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2026/03/workers-who-love-synergizing-paradigms-might-be-bad-their-jobs
Original research on the Corporate Bullshit Receptivity Scale:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/400597536_The_Corporate_Bullshit_Receptivity_Scale_Development_validation_and_associations_with_workplace_outcomes

Episode Highlights

The definition of corporate BS and how it differs from real jargon
“Semantically empty” as the phrase of the episode
The Pepsi and Microsoft examples of BS gone wrong
Weaponized corporate BS in layoffs
The “Is It Corporate BS?” game
The realization that we may also be part of the problem

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