The Workplace Chameleon with Dr. Celina - podcast cover

The Workplace Chameleon with Dr. Celina

Celina Peerman, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, CSPwww.workplacechameleon.com

This podcast is about the changing organization and our relationship to it -- how we enter, thrive and exit. Each episode is meant to be thoughtful, funny, and applicable. Stories, insight, and "words to say" come from Dr. Celina's experience with over two and a half decades of listening, learning from and leading conversations in hundreds of companies. Each episode will explore a new theme about life arriving in, interacting with and leaving the workplace.

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Episodes

Episode 85: Decision Fatigue & Chicken Pill

Send us a text In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon , Dr. Celina Peerman tackles the hidden toll of decision fatigue—and what it’s really costing leaders. From the “chicken pill” codeword that saved dinner debates to the daily drag of micro-decisions, this episode explores how mental overload, misalignment, and too many unclear expectations quietly wear us down. You’ll learn how decision fatigue shows up, why it’s not just about being busy, and what to do when even the simple stuff feels h...

Jun 30, 202515 min

Episode 84: Hold the Line

Send us a text In the rush of meetings, pings, deadlines, and distractions, how do leaders hold their ground on what truly matters? In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon , Dr. Celina Peerman explores what it really means to hold the line —to protect priorities, maintain focus, and lead with clarity when everything feels urgent. You’ll learn why it’s so hard to stay aligned (especially when you're trying to be helpful), how doubt can actually make you a stronger leader, and practical ways to...

Jun 09, 202516 min

Episode 83: Noise and Signal

Send us a text In the rush of meetings, pings, deadlines, and distractions, how do leaders find what truly matters? In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon , Dr. Celina Peerman explores the difference between noise —the things that keep us busy—and signal —the clarity that guides us. You’ll learn how to filter out what’s urgent but unimportant, tune in to what matters most, and use powerful team practices to realign your leadership and priorities. Plus, grab the free companion worksheet to he...

Jun 02, 202513 minEp. 83

Episode 82: Read My Mind (Not)

Send us a text As leaders, we have a responsibility to communicate with our team about why and how priorities are changing. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between sharing too much and not enough information. Dr. Celina provides useful tips for leaders to determine when to share updates and when to wait.

Feb 26, 202427 min

Episode 81: Levers

Send us a text Imagine a console with several levers, each having a handle that can be moved to achieve a specific goal. The question is, which lever should you move, and how much should you move it? Tune in to Dr. Celina's discussion on decision-making in situations where priorities need to be shifted. Learn how to move the levers with certainty and determination.

Feb 19, 202427 min

Episode 80: Better Recall

Send us a text Have you had a moment when you know something, but you just can’t seem to pull it out of your memory? In this episode, we’ll look at the connection between change, recall, and focus. How does focus improve our recall? This episode explores these ideas and ways to improve focus and recall during rapid change on the job.

Feb 05, 202420 min

Episode 79: Check Mark

Send us a text Do any of our listeners enjoy making lists? How many of you write something on your list just to cross it off? Tune in to this episode to learn more about why it feels good to check something off your list. Dr. Celina reminds us that what we focus on matters, and that check mark means more than we may think.

Jan 29, 202420 minSeason 6Ep. 79

Episode 78: Repeat Work

Send us a text What frustrates you? Dr. Celina explores the topic of frustration during times of change and how it can lead to a loss of focus. She discusses ways to prevent frustration or recover from it, so it doesn't negatively impact progress. By listening in, you can discover new ways to apply your efforts effectively to the right tasks during times of change and beyond.

Jan 22, 202419 min

Episode 77: Stop Doing

Send us a text In times of change, certain actions should be avoided. Dr. Celina discusses both individual and team behaviors that can help direct the necessary resources and attention toward the change by refraining from other activities that hinder progress. Please prepare a notepad or keyboard to jot down the list of "not now" items.

Jan 15, 202421 minSeason 6Ep. 77

Episode 76: Not Equal

Send us a text During times of change, it can be challenging to know which areas require your attention the most. To ensure that you and your team are focused on the most important aspects, Dr. Celina has provided a review of key areas and reflection questions that you can use. It is crucial to remember that not all tasks are equally important, and it is essential to prioritize your time and focus accordingly....

Jan 08, 202423 minSeason 6Ep. 76

Episode 75: Small Wins Bring This

Send us a text Small wins give us a boost for what comes next. What can you celebrate in the midst of change? Even small improvements can be a win, especially if you are further than where you started. Dr. Celina will give you five key tips for making celebrations count when navigating the sea of change.

Nov 20, 202313 minSeason 5Ep. 75

Episode 74: Next Steps

Send us a text Often, we describe change in steps and pace - three steps forward, one step back, four steps forward, --- but ideally, not eighteen steps backwards. What is your next best step? Dr. Celina will examine actions you can take to make that next move, no matter how big or small it is.

Nov 13, 202316 minSeason 5Ep. 74

Episode 73: What Didn't Change

Send us a text No matter how much change is going on, there is always something that has not changed. When we only focus on what is changing, we often lose sight of what has not changed and that can be the anchor we need to navigate what comes next. Are you stuck and wondering what you could say next time you have to announce or support a change to reassure others? Tune in to find out on today's episode.

Nov 06, 202310 minSeason 5Ep. 73

Episode 72: Changed My Mind

Send us a text The adjustment to change is not a smooth linear process. Have you ever asked yourself what to do if you were on board with a change, but now find yourself in a spot where it is not looking so good? What happens when everyone else is moving forward, yet you are feeling like you are stuck? Listen in and find out what to do when you have changed your mind about a change.

Oct 30, 202320 minSeason 5Ep. 72

Episode 71: Easy Does It

Send us a text Another thing. Oh, and another thing. And another one, too. Ever wanted to pump the brakes on a change? In this episode, Dr. Celina will focus on scheduling what you can and waiting for change that isn't priority right now. Dumping change after change does not work. What can you do to go a little easier with yourself on how much and how fast the changes are coming in....

Oct 23, 202320 minSeason 5Ep. 71

Episode 70: That's How I Roll

Send us a text How do some people just roll easier with change than others? What is that about? Dr. Celina will explore this mindset and our choice in how we respond, rebound, and adjust. Renew your commitment to adjusting to change better, knowing when, and how to, so we can accomplish the goals and challenges in front of us.

Oct 16, 202317 minSeason 5Ep. 70

Episode 69: You Go First

Send us a text Have you ever heard the expression, "Change is good...you go first." Often we can see the potential, yet we don't want to be the first one to have to experience it. Dr. Celina explores what that's about and possible strategies we can take to undo the scary first step when it comes to change.

Oct 09, 202319 minSeason 5Ep. 69

Episode 68: Dumpster Fire

Send us a text In recent years, a dumpster fire has been a symbol of something in life that is fueled by many things and even more so of chaos. This depicted image has even been made into Christmas ornaments. In this episode, you'll get to listen to Dr. Celina's observation of a real dumpster fire and how it might have other lessons for us to learn during times of change.

Oct 02, 202318 minSeason 5Ep. 68

Episode 67: The Sky is Falling

Send us a text "Chicken Little," of childhood story fame; isn't the only one to claim the sky is falling...in her work, Dr. Celina hears many employees make similar fateful statements. We are here to question, why is that? In this episode, we explore the why, especially during change, our brain may go to doomsday instead of hope.

Sep 25, 202317 minSeason 5Ep. 67

Episode 66: See It Coming

Send us a text Have you ever said, "I didn't see that one coming." It is often an expression of bewilderment or angst because of some unforeseen ripple effect due to a decision or situation. While we know change is going to happen, is there anything we can practice or do to help see what the ripple effect is? Dr. Celina kicks off this discussion in a 10-episode series about being change ready as a professional, team, and organization. Let's build some strategic thinking muscle to read our enviro...

Sep 18, 202322 minSeason 5Ep. 66

Episode 65: Not My Job

Send us a text When someone says, "that's not my job," what does it mean? Dr. Celina explores that phrase in this episode and digs deeper into what might be happening in that moment. Explore overload, role confusion, lack of motivation, and more in this episode. Hear the phrase with new insight and questions to ask next.

Aug 21, 202321 min

Episode 64: Don't Hold Back

Send us a text When you step into a leadership role, you can't do all the work you used to do while taking on new responsibilities...well, you can, but you won't do either very well. In this episode Dr. Celina examines the reasons delegation is difficult. She reminds us that when we don't delegate to allow others to learn, we hold them back. While we don't want to do that, what we can do is delegate better....

Aug 07, 202316 min

Episode 63: Focus on the Good

Send us a text Focus and the discipline to select where you center your attention is renewable. In this episode, Dr. Celina connects focus and emotions to choices we make in where our energy goes. Every day we make choices about what we put effort towards. At work, it may be situations, people, emails, or deliverables that require you to choose to see the best of it, while setting aside negative aspects that can derail you, your focus, or your effort....

Jul 24, 202321 min

Episode 62: Before the Crisis

Send us a text Leaders must navigate crisis situations with skill, precision, and resolve. This episode examines what great leaders do under pressure as well as what they prepare for before the emergency. Little or big issues, leaders can be ready by thinking ahead and having communication plans in place before they really need them.

Jul 10, 202320 min

Episode 61: Line of Sight

Send us a text Pick a movie and consider the actor who finds themselves away from shore. If they are unprepared or unseasoned for sea life, it can be a panic stricken moment when they lose sight of land. There are many times as leaders or team members where we lose our line sight and may need to regain it. Dr. Celina explores this idea and what we need to do in the moment to respond and regain that direction....

Jun 26, 202315 min

Episode 60: Plot Twist

Send us a text Have you ever encountered a change and thought "that's interesting"? There are a few popular comments out there like, "didn't see that one coming" or "plot twist" when something unexpected happens. Dr. Celina explores these responses to give perspective on how to address the change and offers more insight on questions we can ask when we are adjusting to a new situation or circumstance.

May 15, 202323 min

Episode 59: Disconnect

Send us a text Have you ever heard of quiet quitting? Or have you or someone you know felt disengaged on the job? The question we are addressing today is, why do employees disconnect from their team or organization, and what can we as a leader do about it? Dr. Celina explores signs to watch for and steps to take in this episode to help address and avoid the disconnect in the workplace.

May 01, 202317 min

Episode 58: Transparency

Send us a text What can you share? Transparency is important in healthy relationships, it can include sharing the why, telling the truth, being upfront, and more. Dr. Celina pushes on her own boundaries of how much is too much, and shares some recent lessons learned about her own learning in this area. Tune in to understand and find out how to be transparent with your team, coworkers, and yourself even when it's difficult....

Apr 17, 202314 min

Episode 57: Positivity

Send us a text What is the difference between positivity as a choice and toxic positivity? Dr. Celina explores the choices we make about our mindset at work and how feelings impact that. What can a leader do to be positive but not to the point where so much of it is too much? Listen in and learn more.

Apr 03, 202319 min

Episode 56: Defensiveness

Send us a text Why does defensive behavior show up in teams at work? What can be done to recognize and turn it around? Dr. Celina shares examples and strategies to overcome those moments where defenses go up, walls are built, or attack mode is in gear. Listen in to not only understand your own response but the responses of your team better.

Mar 20, 202321 min
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