In this episode, Kaila and Kyle dive into some conversation-sparking Reddit “Am I the A******?” submissions, and give their candid opinions on each. From whether or not you should share details of your personal life with your coworkers, to the ethics of applying for the same job as a friend, Kaila and Kyle bring some strong opinions. 00:00 Intro 00:53 Scenario #1 - Retirement Gift 05:14 Scenario #2 - Applying for the Same Job as Your Friend 10:00 Scenario #3 - Keeping Personal Life Private at Wo...
Jun 30, 2025•29 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle talk about their biggest work fails, a different way to think about failure beyond simply as a “learning opportunity,” and share tactics on how to best move through and recover from failures in both work and career. 00:00 Intro 00:40 Kaila’s biggest work failure 04:20 Kyle’s biggest work failure 09:34 The problem with “I don’t fail, I either win or I learn.” 17:46 An NIH study on career failure among nurses 21:05 How to change your perception of “failure” 22:33 Th...
Jun 23, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss what having high agency at work really means, the problems having high agency poses in certain contexts, and how to cultivate more of it in order to help your career. 00:00 Intro 01:20 Defining what having “high agency” is 06:52 The elements of high agency 10:34 An important point about having agency 14:17 An important element of truly effective high agency 15:03 A time when Kaila demonstrated high agency in her career 17:46 A time when Kyle demonstrated h...
Jun 16, 2025•38 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss the viral Steve Madden interview and debate whether CEOs and corporations should be expressing their political views, as well as how to navigate politics in the workplace. 00:00 Intro 01:24 Steve Madden’s viral Cutting Room Floor interview 06:26 Lulu Cheng Meservey on “going direct” as a business leader 07:29 Stats on how different generations feel about companies voicing their political beliefs 09:53 Ben & Jerry’s vs. Target 15:07 Brian Armstrong’s “m...
Jun 09, 2025•40 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle dive into the problems with being a “people pleaser”, and how to balance being agreeable enough while also being effective and impactful at work. Plus, Kaila introduces The Workplace People Pleasing Matrix. 00:00 Intro 00:44 Defining what “people pleasing” actually is 01:55 Why the term “people pleaser” is inflammatory 06:09 Stats on agreeableness and income 07:53 The Workplace People Pleasing Matrix 17:12 The importance of knowing when to be agreeable 19:28 The c...
Jun 02, 2025•39 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss work stress and whether we’ve been thinking about it in the wrong way. There’s clearly such a thing as too much stress, but what about too little? And is there an ideal amount of stress we should be aiming for in order to be most successful at our jobs? 00:00 Intro 00:24 APA stats on stress and anxiety 02:53 Kaila’s relationship with work-related stress 06:57 Stats on workplace mental health 09:58 The Eustress Curve and how to rethink our relationship with...
May 26, 2025•34 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss common career tropes and debate whether or not the sayings hold up. Is HR really not your friend? Are your connections more important than your skills? Listen and find out. 00:00 Intro 00:36 Career myth #1 - “No one knows what they’re doing.” 07:35 Career myth #2 - “HR is not your friend.” 12:51 Career myth #3 - “It’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know.” 19:11 Career myth #4 - “Follow your passion, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” 27:33 Career ...
May 19, 2025•35 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle are joined by Yale professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcast, Dr. Laurie Santos, to talk about the small ways you can find more meaning in your job, and the adjustments that help increase our happiness and well being at work. 00:00 Intro 00:44 Dr. Laurie Santos Intro 01:47 How much does your work factor into your overall happiness? 03:33 Dr. Santos’ take on the difference between how millennials and how Gen Z approach work 07:50 “Job crafting” 09:33 Remote v...
May 12, 2025•33 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss the problems with the current conversation around AI, and debate the issues with and the benefits of the technology for the workforce, society, and individuals. 00:00 Intro 00:57 The problem with the discourse around AI 05:42 Why we’re not having good faith arguments around AI 09:43 The three use cases for AI that Kaila found helpful 17:28 Kaila’s concerns with AI 21:00 How Kyle uses AI in a way that’s additive and not a complete replacement of thinking 28...
May 05, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle talk about the value of giving your job its own performance review, the most effective way to do it, and the lowest rated jobs from their own career experiences. Get your copy of the Rate Your Job Template here! 00:00 Intro 06:46 The Rate Your Job Template 13:38 Explaining the template through an example 15:55 How Kaila used the Rate Your Job Template when choosing her current job 19:00 Using the template to rate your existing job 21:45 Why rating your job is an i...
Apr 28, 2025•32 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle dive into what exactly constitutes a “side hustle”, and the circumstances in which it IS and ISN’T worth having one. Not all side hustles are created equal. 00:00 Intro 03:11 Average income earned from a side hustle 05:11 The issue with the term “side hustle” 08:00 The most common types of side hustles 14:45 “Acceptable or Not?” game 20:46 Considering how a side hustle might be perceived at your job 21:48 Pros and cons of having a side hustle Want to get all of Ka...
Apr 21, 2025•33 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle dive into tips and tactics on the best way to protect your job and prepare yourself for potential job cuts during a recession. 00:00 Intro 00:27 Listener email 03:19 What happens during a recession 06:24 What you can do to prepare yourself professionally if you are currently employed 09:10 “T-Shaped skills” 13:45 The importance of weak ties 19:09 Why you should consider posting on LinkedIn right now 21:06 Recession-proof industries 23:58 Recession-proof job functi...
Apr 14, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss the reason why efficiency shouldn’t be the goal at work, and how to actually get better at your job. 00:00 Intro 00:41 Our obsession with efficiency 02:26 The problem with the conversation around AI 06:46 What you lose when you focus too much on efficiency 11:42 When Kaila over-focused on efficiency in her career 18:06 How to actually get better at your job 19:46 Scheduling time for whimsy 23:17 Tactics Want to get all of Kaila & Kyle’s career resource...
Apr 07, 2025•31 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss how to have those difficult conversations at work with career advice expert Erin McGoff of @advicewitherin. From addressing your lazy coworker to handling your micromanaging boss, Kaila, Kyle, and Erin offer specific tactics and approaches for conducting these challenging conversations. 00:00 Intro 00:55 How Advice With Erin got started 03:49 Stats on how much people avoid having difficult conversations 04:34 How Erin recommends approaching difficult conve...
Mar 31, 2025•36 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle dig into the details of the Rippling v Deel corporate espionage lawsuit, and why—even if you aren’t a corporate spy yourself—it should matter to you. 00:00 Intro 00:51 Background 07:26 Our reaction to the Rippling v Deel case 12:36 Remembering what Slack really is 18:08 What kind of information is okay to take with you from a job, and what is not 20:11 Noncompete clauses 21:59 “garden leave” 22:41 Why a work nemesis is good Want to get all of Kaila & Kyle’s ca...
Mar 24, 2025•30 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle get philosophical and discuss the ethics of working for a company that doesn’t align with your values. Is it ever acceptable to work at a job that you perceive as immoral? And what can you do if you have to work at such a place? 00:00 Intro 05:30 Whether or it’s morally okay to work somewhere that goes against your values 09:08 Another important caveat when it comes to values aligning with your work 11:45 Effective altruism 16:08 How your role within an organizati...
Mar 17, 2025•33 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss the difference between nepotism vs. networking in the workplace, and how to make nepotism work for you even when you don’t think you have the connections you need to secure an opportunity. 00:00 Intro 00:46 Defining a “nepo baby” 04:54 How common workplace nepotism actually is 09:03 When people are, and are not okay with workplace nepotism 12:52 Is nepotism different from networking? 18:22 How to make nepotism work for you 19:56 The power of weak ties 22:1...
Mar 10, 2025•36 min
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss whether or not millennial managers are too soft, the different styles of management, and how to navigate giving tough feedback. 00:00 Intro 02:29 How Kaila and Kyle define a “millennial manager” 07:49 The difference between a good millennial manager and a bad millennial manager 10:08 Previous generations vs millennials in terms of management styles 15:08 “Primal Leadership” and the styles of management 20:55 What to do if you have a millennial manager 24:2...
Mar 03, 2025•34 min•Ep. 47
We’ve done it again—this week Kaila and Kyle read and respond to your “am I the a**hole?” submissions around your work-specific situations…and they do not hold back. 00:00 Intro 01:02 AITA scenario 1 | vengeful quitter 05:37 AITA scenario 2 | “friend” exploitation 09:57 AITA scenario 3 | senior exec’s personal tragedy 14:44 AITA scenario 4 | Reddit submission Want to get all of Kaila & Kyle’s career resources? Subscribe to Per My Last Email: https://www.permylastemailshow.com/ Watch Per My L...
Feb 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 46
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss the recent headlines around DEI, the potential implications of these measures, and what actually makes the most effective teams. 00:00 Intro 00:43 Recent headlines around DEI 06:05 Listener email 12:04 Stats around DEI from Morning Brew’s Insights and Analytics team 16:34 Why having a diverse workforce helps your business outcomes 20:04 An example of DEI efforts in the workplace 22:05 What are the the things that make for a truly high performing team? 24:4...
Feb 17, 2025•36 min•Ep. 45
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle are joined by Hannah Williams, founder and host of @SalaryTransparentStreet, to talk about the importance of salary transparency, why it’s still such an uncomfortable thing to talk about, and how to negotiate for a higher salary. 00:00 Intro 00:45 Hannah Williams and Salary Transparent Street 01:24 When Hannah first realized she was being underpaid 07:51 The experience of filming Salary Transparent Street 11:06 Why it’s so important to consider being transparent a...
Feb 10, 2025•35 min•Ep. 44
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss the pros and cons of taking an “adult gap year” (aka sabbatical or “mini-retirement”), why they’re becoming more common, and how to financially plan for one if you want to take one yourself. 00:00 Intro 01:56 Stats on burnout 05:54 Defining “sabbatical” vs “leave of absence” vs “gap year” or “mini retirement” 08:48 Companies providing sabbatical options 15:01 What Kyle and Kaila would do with a 4-week sabbatical 18:36 Harvard Business Review’s study on sab...
Feb 03, 2025•37 min•Ep. 43
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss some of the recent news surrounding Meta—from their announcement of cutting 5% of their workforce, to Mark Zuckerberg’s recent comments on masculinity in the workplace. 00:00 Intro 00:51 Meta’s recent announcement around firing practices 04:25 Two potential upsides to Meta’s “rank and yank” system 07:07 Issues with stack ranking systems 13:39 What is the ideal performance incentive at work? 17:29 How certain incentives cause “creaming” 20:09 What’s going o...
Jan 27, 2025•36 min•Ep. 42
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss when and how to make a career pivot, and the questions to ask yourself before starting. 00:00 Intro 01:19 Listener career pivot story submission 05:06 Kaila’s biggest career pivot 07:55 A crucial consideration before making a career change 08:21 Kyle’s career pivots 12:13 The importance of finding what you actually enjoy doing 15:54 A common mistake with networking 20:25 Knowing career narrative 23:12 Embracing the beginner’s mindset 24:13 Listener submiss...
Jan 20, 2025•36 min•Ep. 41
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss the rise of revenge quitting, what it is, why it’s seemingly on the rise, and their takes on its effectiveness. 00:00 Intro 01:43 Defining what “revenge quitting” is 04:05 Why 2025 will be the year of revenge quitting 09:30 Why the year of revenge quitting might actually be something else 10:37 Why Kaila loves the idea of revenge quitting 16:35 The truth about revenge quitting 17:28 How Kaila and Kyle have quit jobs in their career 22:51 The importance of ...
Jan 13, 2025•33 min•Ep. 40
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss the real strategies and steps involved in getting a promotion, from how and when to have the conversation with your boss, to how to get clear for yourself what you really want in the next stage of your career. 00:00 Intro 00:36 Kaila and Kyle’s first promotions 05:38 Kaila and Kyle’s 2025 career goals 07:12 The number one thing you should be doing to set yourself up for success 17:12 More tips for how to get promoted in 2025 19:29 How Kaila and Kyle became...
Jan 06, 2025•32 min•Ep. 39
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle are joined by Morning Brew’s SVP of People Operations Kate Noel to talk about how to make the most of your year-end performance review—from how to prepare for it to what to expect from it—and what most people forget about this formal evaluation process. 00:00 Intro 00:57 How Morning Brew Inc. handles performance reviews 05:53 The pros and cons of performance reviews 10:18 Advice for one-on-ones 13:48 How to make the most of your performance review 17:56 Talking me...
Dec 30, 2024•37 min•Ep. 38
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss the companies in the UK and in Japan that have been experimenting with the 4-day work week, what the outcomes have been, and whether or not we can expect to see it implemented in the US. Does the 4-day work week actually solve anything? Is it beneficial or detrimental to society as a whole? 00:00 Intro 01:41 The New York Times report on UK businesses piloting the 4-day workweek 06:46 When a 4-day workweek isn’t a fix 11:29 The Tokyo case study of the 4-day...
Dec 23, 2024•34 min•Ep. 37
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss the topic of employee surveillance, including the recent invasion of privacy lawsuit against Apple, and how it impacts company culture. Do companies have the right to monitor employee behavior? Is employee surveillance the new normal? And what can employees do to fight back? 00:00 Intro 00:28 Apple lawsuit 05:31 Stats from the ABA on employee surveillance in the US 08:10 Is surveilling employees ethical? 17:19 What it means to “look like you’re working” 23...
Dec 16, 2024•32 min•Ep. 36
In this episode, Kaila and Kyle talk about how to decide whether it’s worth moving for your career, and how they’ve made decisions to move in their own lives. Is it always worth uprooting yourself for your career? And are there particular places that it’s more advantageous to live in than others? 00:00 Intro 01:22 Malcolm Gladwell quote 05:03 What went into Kyle’s decision to move to New York 08:38 A research-backed argument for relocating 13:18 Why location is so important to consider when movi...
Dec 09, 2024•35 min•Ep. 35
