When a PIP feels like a setup, how do you handle it without compromising your integrity? Trapped between an HR-driven process that feels like a sham and a direct report who’s not meeting expectations? That’s a management nightmare. When a boss hands you a struggling employee with the unspoken expectation that you’ll “manage them out,” how do you stay honest, maintain trust, and avoid turning into the workplace grim reaper? Kim, Jason, and Amy break down the emotional and ethical toll of Performa...
Mar 12, 2025•39 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast Too many direct reports and not enough time? Fix that without losing your sanity. Drowning in direct reports and barely keeping your head above water? When you’re responsible for 30 to 50 people, the idea of meaningful one-on-ones is a joke—but so is pretending you can manage that many people without a meltdown. On this episode, Kim and Amy rip apart the myth that “just working harder” will fix the problem and get real about why traditional leadership approaches fail at scale. From no-nonsense s...
Mar 05, 2025•43 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast Avoiding tough conversations? Lean in, speak up, and make them count. Ever find yourself avoiding a tough conversation at work because, well…it’s just easier? We get it. But what if leaning into discomfort could actually make things better—for you, your team, and your company? In this episode, Kim and Amy sit down with Amandeep (Aman) Kochar, CEO of Baker & Taylor, to talk about how he uses Radical Candor to break down barriers, build trust, and create a culture where feedback fuels growth i...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast Undermining, defiant and disengaged direct report—coach them or cut them loose? Dealing with a direct report who questions everything, isolates their team, and actively undermines leadership? YIKES. That’s not just frustrating—it’s a full-blown leadership headache. When radical candor turns into outright defiance, how do you respond without losing your mind (or your team’s trust)? In this episode, Kim and Amy tackle the tricky reality of managing someone who refuses to engage, blames leadership ...
Feb 19, 2025•57 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast Vague feedback is a fail—neurodivergent minds need clear, direct guidance to thrive. Is vague feedback just bad management, or are we failing neurodivergent employees by not giving them what they actually need? Kim sits down with the legendary Dr. Temple Grandin to challenge common misconceptions about feedback and explore why clarity is key—especially for those who think and process the world differently. They break down the myth that all employees should “just know” how to adjust their behavio...
Feb 12, 2025•52 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast Why most career conversations fail—and how to make them actually matter. Are career conversations a game-changer, or just another corporate mirage? In part two of this two-part episode, Kim, Amy, and Russ Laraway cut through the fluff and expose why most career talks fail before they even start. Managers love to preach growth, but when it comes to actually helping their people build meaningful careers, too many fall flat. Russ brings the fire with his “gravity assist slingshot” method—forget the...
Feb 05, 2025•49 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast Russ Laraway breaks down why your leadership isn’t working—and how to fix it. Stuck in a cycle of vague goals, half-hearted feedback, and meaningless career talks? Let’s call it what it is—bad leadership. In part one of this two part episode, Kim, Amy, and Russ Laraway rip into the mistakes that are killing your team’s engagement and results. Russ brings the heat with his “Big Three” leadership essentials—direction, coaching, and career—and doesn’t hold back on why so many managers fail to deliv...
Jan 29, 2025•48 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast What happens when you gut the glue holding your team together. Is middle management really dead weight, or are we cutting off the wrong limb? In this episode, Amy and Jason take on the hype around “The Great Flattening” and call out the risks of gutting the layer that keeps organizations running smoothly. Sure, middle managers have their flaws—what role doesn’t? But eliminating them entirely isn’t the brilliant shortcut some leaders think it is. They dig into how this trend often creates chaos, ...
Jan 22, 2025•36 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast Tech’s “meritocracy” is broken—Ellen Pao unpacks how to fix it. Alright, let’s get real—tech’s so-called “meritocracy” is doing more harm than good, and it’s time to face it head-on. This week we’re bringing you an episode of the Radical Respect podcast. Kim and Wesley sit down with Ellen Pao, founder of Project Include, to dig into how the industry’s obsession with merit often masks deep-seated bias, exclusion, and outright harassment. Ellen doesn’t hold back as she breaks down why quick fixes ...
Jan 15, 2025•43 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast Ditch the drama and rebuild connection where it counts. Feeling overwhelmed by workplace polarization, the loneliness epidemic, and the constant whirl of change? You’re not alone—and neither are your teams. In this episode of Radical Candor, Kim and Amy bring in Heather McGowan, future-of-work strategist, to dig into why we’re so divided and distracted at work—and what leaders can actually do about it. Heather gets real about the deeper roots of these challenges, from shifting demographics to te...
Jan 08, 2025•50 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast Everyday actions, when turned into rituals, can manage emotions and create a sense of meaning. Amy Sandler is joined by Harvard Business School Professor Michael Norton to discuss his latest book, The Ritual Effect . Norton explores the significance of rituals in reducing stress and enhancing productivity, both at work and in personal life. He shares compelling research and personal anecdotes that illustrate how everyday actions, when turned into rituals, can manage emotions and create a sense o...
Jan 01, 2025•47 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Practicing Radical Candor with your family members this holiday season. Holiday communication with your family can be rife with stress. And while you love your family, let’s be frank, family togetherness during the holidays often goes sideways. So much so that it’s become a trope that’s spawned dozens of holiday movies. But you can survive it by practicing Radical Candor with your nearest and dearest this holiday season to avoid defaulting to Obnoxious Aggression, Manipulative Insincerity or Rui...
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast How the CORE method can help you thrive in the messy middle. Caught in the middle of a boss who’s all care but no action and a team lead who’s full steam ahead with no brakes? That’s a workplace tightrope no one wants to walk. Your ability to Care Personally and Challenge Directly can seriously be affected when communication falls apart on both ends of the spectrum, and it’s not just frustrating—it’s debilitating. How do you stay productive and keep your sanity when you’re managing up and down w...
Dec 18, 2024•38 min•Ep 49•Transcript available on Metacast Showing respect when you just don’t connect. Ever feel like caring about a coworker is just...not in the cards? Same. Here’s the thing though – you don’t have to be besties to show respect and keep things productive. In this episode, Kim, Amy, and Jason tackle the tough question of how to Care Personally when someone’s driving you up the wall. With relatable stories (yes, even a deodorant conversation makes an appearance) and practical tips, they break down how to stay curious, address frustrati...
Dec 11, 2024•42 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast Tune in to the Radical Candor Podcast to learn to love your job and kick ass at work without losing your humanity by practicing the principles of Radical Candor. Host and Lead Radical Candor Coach Amy Sandler leads discussions with Radical Candor Author and Co-founder Kim Scott and CEO and Co-founder Jason Rosoff about what it means to be Radically Candid, why it’s simple but not easy to Care Personally and Challenge Directly on the daily, and why it’s worth it....
Dec 09, 2024•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast The messy reality of salary secrecy. Pay transparency—yikes, it’s one of those topics that makes everyone squirm, but avoiding it does more harm than good. Let’s be real: when salaries are shrouded in secrecy, it doesn’t just make things awkward—it allows inequity and mistrust to thrive. And here’s the kicker: people are already talking about pay, just in whispers instead of open, productive conversations. In this episode, Kim and Jason take a no-nonsense approach to tackling the discomfort. Fro...
Dec 04, 2024•45 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast Missed promotions, broken promises, and the fallout that follows. Promotions gone wrong? Yeah, it’s a thing. On this episode, Kim and former Twitter CEO Dick Costolo tackle a listener’s tale of missed opportunities, broken promises, and a management team that just can’t get it together. From the cringe-worthy red flags to the frustrating aftermath, they explore how leadership missteps can wreak havoc on trust and motivation. Tune in for sharp insights, practical advice, and a whole lot of “what ...
Nov 27, 2024•21 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast The fine line between transparency and TMI. Let’s get into it: oversharing at work — we’ve all done it, and we’ve all cringed after. But here’s the tea: when we spill sensitive info without thinking, we’re not just breaking trust, we’re tanking our ability to Care Personally and Challenge Directly. In this episode, Kim, Jason, and Amy dig into a listener's story about sharing too much too soon and just how quickly oversharing can derail trust and create chaos. They unpack why these missteps happ...
Nov 20, 2024•42 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast Susan Rigetti on speaking up, keeping receipts, and why silence is never the answer. We’re shaking up the workplace and diving deep into the raw reality of whistleblowing and the courage it takes to speak up with this special episode from the Radical Respect podcast . Kim, Wesley, and special guest Susan Rigetti , author of Whistleblower , break down the challenges of calling out toxic systems while being real with yourself. When harmful practices go unchecked, they don’t just derail careers—the...
Nov 13, 2024•30 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast Examining and expanding our capacity to hold different beliefs. If we decide we’re going to stop talking to the flat earthers, the only people they have left to talk to are other flat earthers. So that super imposes and reinforces the concepts in a circle, and you’re never going to penetrate or get any kind of connection, reconnection with that person. We have to stay in relationship. Brace yourself—this episode is all about navigating workplace tension with Radical Candor. Kim and Amy team up w...
Nov 06, 2024•47 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast Handling workplace bullying when family dynamics are involved. We need to talk about nepotism and workplace bullying, because WHEW, does it ever mess with our ability to Care Personally and Challenge Directly! Here's the real deal — when family ties eclipse talent, we're not just hurting individual careers. We're poisoning the well of psychological safety that teams need to thrive. How can you tell someone to "bring their whole self to work" when the rules aren't the same for everyone? KIm, Amy,...
Oct 30, 2024•56 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast With feedback, how do you measure what matters? Kim, Jason, and Amy dive into the art of measuring feedback, emphasizing that it's not just about what you say, but how it's heard. It's crucial to pay attention to how your feedback lands and be ready to adjust your approach, especially when you notice defensiveness or indifference. Tune in to explore practical strategies for handling emotional reactions while keeping your communication clear and compassionate. Learn how to stay present in tough c...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast Effectively manage feedback you disagree with. In this episode of the Radical Candor podcast, we tackle a challenge that's at the heart of Radical Candor: what to do when you receive feedback you don't agree with. It's a question we get all the time, and it's crucial because how we handle these moments can make or break our relationships at work. The team gets into the get into the nitty-gritty of how to respond to tough feedback and suggests specific phrases you can use to show you're listening...
Oct 16, 2024•59 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast Start small to make change more achievable and impactful. In this episode of the Radical Candor Podcast, Jason and Amy discuss how to introduce radical candor to teams effectively. They emphasize the importance of starting small, creating pockets of excellence, and the role of accountability and praise in fostering a feedback culture. The conversation also covers effective communication strategies for implementing change, real-world examples of cultural shifts, and practical tips for individuals...
Oct 09, 2024•36 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast How leaders can balance vulnerability with competence. Kim and Jacob Morgan, author of Leading with Vulnerability , discuss the power of vulnerability in leadership and its role in building trust and driving performance. They explore the common misconceptions about vulnerability, the balance between competence and connection, and how to navigate the fine line between strength and openness. Jacob shares stories of successful and failed leadership, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right ...
Oct 02, 2024•46 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast Make your meetings count. Explore the surprising science of meetings and how to make them suck less with Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg, a renowned organizational psychologist and author of The Surprising Science of Meetings , Glad We Met: The Art & Science of 1:1 Meetings , and more. Dr. Rogelberg discusses with Kim and Amy why meetings often feel unproductive and costly, covering common pitfalls and offering actionable strategies to enhance their effectiveness. The conversation spotlights the pow...
Sep 25, 2024•47 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast How misguided praise can do more harm than good. Praise can be powerful, but when it’s vague, generic, or something you can say to a dog like "good job," it can backfire and do more harm than good. Kim, Jason, and Amy explore the nuances of Ruinous Empathy and praise, sharing real-life examples, like the infamous FEMA response during Hurricane Katrina, to illustrate the pitfalls of Ruinously Empathetic feedback. They discuss the importance of making praise specific and sincere so people know wha...
Sep 18, 2024•44 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast The surprising data on inclusivity in different meeting settings. Kieran Snyder, founder of nerd processor and co-founder of Textio, joins the Radical Candor podcast to explore inclusivity in meetings, revealing data-driven insights from her research on in-person versus remote settings. Kieran discusses the dynamics of interruptions, idea credit-taking, and the impact of power and gender on participation. With over 1,100 hours of meeting data analyzed, she sheds light on the complexities of remo...
Sep 11, 2024•54 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast Political discussions at work can be polarizing, but they don't have to be. How do you handle political conversations at work without crossing boundaries or alienating colleagues? The team dives into the complex and often uncomfortable topic of discussing politics at work, exploring the impact of these conversations on workplace dynamics, productivity, and personal relationships. Kim, Jason, and Amy share insights on navigating political discussions with respect, setting boundaries, and maintain...
Sep 04, 2024•50 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast Rebuilding Trust and Communication When Feedback is Ignored Feedback can be tough to give and at times even harder to receive. But what about when it’s ignored? Jason and Amy tackle a listener's challenging workplace scenario involving ignored feedback, toxic dynamics, and a strained relationship with their boss. Through role play, practical advice, and Radical Candor tips, they explore how to rebuild trust, address emotional wounds, and navigate difficult conversations when feedback isn't prope...
Aug 28, 2024•27 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast 
