Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Be Human At Work?

Season 2, Episode 10: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Feel Entitled at Work? Episode Description Is feeling entitled at work… actually a bad thing? In the Season 2 finale of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee challenge the stigma around workplace entitlement. They explore what happens when expectations don’t match reality when it comes to salary assumptions and generational values to promotions, office return mandates, and even who gets to speak up. Together, they unpack: Timestamps Wisdom That Feels So Right The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (and TED Talk) Strong, Calm, Confident You by Kelsey Buckholz How Money Works YouTube channel by Darin Soat The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman (for adults and teens) Local Wisdom – Your digital comms partner (like silly putty for your team) Mic-Drop Moments “Entitlement is a byproduct of belief—belief that your effort deserves a return.” “The problem isn’t entitlement. The problem is when our expectations don’t match someone else’s reality.” “We stay human at work by not letting work dehumanize us.” Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks To the people and teams who made Season 2 possible: Brielle Saracini, SBX Productions, and everyone at Local Wisdom. Thank you for helping us stay human while keeping it real. And to our listeners: thank you for letting us in. Stay Human, Stay Curious What’s something you feel entitled to—and why? Did this episode make you reflect, nod, or even cringe a little? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share it, tag us, rate us, and visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to learn how we’re bringing these conversations to teams and stages. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 9: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be a Leader? Episode Description We’ve all heard it: “Leadership is lonely.” But is it? And if it is, why do so many people still chase it? In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complex question of modern leadership—what motivates people to lead, what makes leadership feel “wrong,” and how our outdated assumptions about leadership may be holding us all back. From Optimus Prime and parental wisdom to feedback fatigue and executive accountability, this conversation challenges traditional ideas and invites a more human-centered definition of leadership. Together, they unpack: Timestamps Wisdom That Feels So Right Good to Great by Jim CollinsHumanocracy by Gary HamelReality-Based Leadership by Cy WakemanGallagher 2025 Workforce Trends ReportManager Tools – Practical leadership podcast and resourcesTransform Conference – Spring HR and leadership strategy event Mic-Drop Moments “When we win, it’s because of the team. When we lose, it’s on me.” “Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s about knowing when to listen.” “Awesome resumes don’t make awesome leaders. Human ones do.” Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks Cheers to Local Wisdom , they are spackle for communication teams. For 25 years they've filled talent and technology gaps for the top brands in the world while leading with heart and showing what leadership can really be. Thank you to our producer Brielle Saracini and our partners at SBX Productions for keeping our sound as sharp as our thinking. Reflect + Share What do you wish leaders understood better? What makes a leader worth following in your experience? We want to hear from you. Tag us, review the show, or send us your “WTF leadership” moments—and don’t forget to visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to bring these convos into your company. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 8: Why Does It Feel So Wrong (or Good) to Gossip at Work? Episode Description “Don’t tell anyone, but…” As soon as you hear those words, you lean in. Gossip—it’s irresistible, unavoidable, and often misunderstood. In this juicy and thoughtful episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complicated nature of gossip in the workplace. Is it toxic? Is it therapeutic? Or is it something in between? They dig into: From The Office’s Michael Scott and family drama to internal comms campaigns and informal influence networks, this episode is both lighthearted and layered, offering a refreshingly human take on a taboo topic. Timestamps Wisdom That Feels So Right Brave New Work by Aaron DignanReality-Based Leadership by Cy WakemanThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoGallagher 2025 Workforce Trends ReportSharn KleissPsychology Today Search on “Gossip at Work”Transform Conference – Bold ideas for the future of HR and communication Mic-Drop Moments “Gossip is how humans download each other’s software updates.” “If I’m talking about you to someone else, I’ve either already told you—or I’m ready to tell you now.” “The more fear in your words, the less clarity in your message.” Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks Much love to Local Wisdom for building a home for digital communication unicorns and celebrating 25 years of real talk and strong teams. Huge appreciation to Brielle Saracini for producing this podcast and to our amazing audio crew at SBX Productions (Vince, Taylor, and Bill) for keeping us crisp. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going Did this episode make you rethink how you talk about others—or yourself—at work? Got a gossip story with a twist? Share your take, tag us, or drop a DM. And if your team’s ready to tackle human workplace truths in a workshop or at your next conference, check out whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 7: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Manage Up at Work? Episode Description We’ve all seen it—or done it. The awkward compliment. The carefully crafted update. The subtle self-promotion. But where’s the line between managing up and straight-up sucking up? In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee unpack the complicated world of influencing your boss. Managing up can be smart and strategic—or manipulative and maddening. So how do we make sense of it? Together, they explore: From Confucian hierarchy and classroom memories to corporate communication and performance reviews, this episode is packed with perspectives from all sides of the power dynamic. Timestamps Wisdom That Feels So Right How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieThe 48 Laws of Power by Robert GreeneExtreme Ownership by Jocko WillinkGet to the Point by Joel SchwartzbergTEDx Talk by Elizabeth Xu at TEDxCSTU: “Why Manage-Up Kills Career" Elizabeth Xu, Ph.D.Transform HR Conference Mic-Drop Moments “Managing up feels wrong when it stops being about the mission—and starts being about the mirror.” “Your job isn’t just to work hard. It’s to be seen, valued, and understood for it.” “We’re all on the same team—until performance reviews make us forget that.” Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks To the brilliant minds at Local Wisdom, thank you for 25 years of helping people communicate clearly, effectively, and humanely. To Brielle Saracini, our fearless producer, and to SBX Productions. You are the real MVPs behind the mic. Your Turn to Speak Up Has managing up helped you or backfired? Have you ever felt unseen, unrecognized, or unfairly outshined? Share your story, tag us in your reflections, or drop a review. We want to hear your take on the delicate art of managing in every direction. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 6: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Rely on AI at Work? Episode Description AI is here—and it’s not going away. But if using it is so smart, why does it still feel a little bit wrong? In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee tackle the big questions about AI in the workplace. From emotional friction and ethical concerns to trust, fear, and even job displacement, this episode digs deep into why embracing artificial intelligence can make us feel uneasy—even as it makes us wildly more efficient. They explore: From chatbot hallucinations to the ethics of DeepSeek and OpenAI, this episode doesn’t shy away from the magic—or the madness—of modern machine learning. Timestamps Wisdom That Feels So Right Co-Intelligence by Ethan MollickMIT Technology Review – “Nobody Knows How AI Works”Daniel Suarez’s TED Talk: “Why We Shouldn’t Give Machines the Power to Kill”Daemon by Daniel Suarez Mic-Drop Moments “We’re living through something like the invention of fire—and treating it like it’s a new microwave.” “AI doesn’t know the truth. It knows what sounds right.” “It might not replace you—but it will absolutely replace something.” Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks Huge thanks to the visionary team at Local Wisdom—celebrating 25 years of digital communications—and to our brilliant behind-the-scenes crew at SBX Productions. Big love to Brielle Saracini for guiding this episode and others like it with heart and brains. Let’s Talk (With or Without AI) Feeling conflicted? Curious? Excited? Slightly paranoid? Us too. Share this episode, tag us in your takeaways, or drop a comment about your evolving relationship with AI. Let’s keep the human part in these conversations—together. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 5: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be an A**hole at Work? Episode Description We said what we said. In this bold and uncensored episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined by internal comms legend Chuck Gose to take on the big question that no one talks about—but everyone experiences: Why does it feel so wrong (yet so common) to act like an a**hole at work? Together, they dive into: From office politics and passive-aggressive emails to visionary leaders who bulldoze their teams, this episode is part hilarious storytelling, part therapy session—and part HR intervention. Timestamps: Wisdom That Feels So Right Frequency podcast by Chuck Gose and Jenni FieldHow to Be a Gentleman by John BridgesStrong, Calm, Confident You by Kelsey BuckholtzSpaceballs (not really appropriate for work, but maybe)The Psychopaths Who Lead Us (Forbes article)Wonderwell – Kindness toy for kids Mic-Drop Moments: “One person’s visionary is another person’s jerk.” “If you’re surrounded by a**holes… maybe it’s hiring. Or maybe it’s you.” “Individually, we might slip. But when the system rewards bad behavior? That’s a culture problem.” Connect with Us: Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Chuck Gose – LinkedIn | ICology | Frequency Podcast Special Thanks: Huge shoutout to Local Wisdom for making this show possible, and to our incredible team behind the scenes: Brielle Saracini and SBX Productions. You make us sound smooth—even when the topic is rough. Keep the Conversation Going: Whether you’ve encountered one, been one, or managed one—this topic hits home. Share your thoughts, leave a review, tag us on LinkedIn, or email us your story (names changed to protect the guilty, of course). Visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to bring these conversations into your workplace. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 4: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Ask for Help at Work? Episode Description Is asking for help a sign of weakness—or is it the key to doing great work and being fully human? In this heartfelt episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore why asking for help often feels like failure in today’s work culture—and why that couldn’t be further from the truth. Sparked by a powerful story about Pinaki’s late grandmother (“When you're in trouble, don't sit by yourself”), this conversation dives into the subtle social rules, psychological biases, and cultural expectations that prevent people—especially men, leaders, and high performers—from speaking up when they need support. Together, they unpack: This one is personal, practical, and packed with real-world stories, from fixing dryers to managing emotional labor. Plus, the team closes with their latest segment, Wisdom That Feels So Right, with book, video, and therapy recs that meet you where you are. Timestamps Wisdom That Feels So Right The Botany of Desire by Michael PollanDaring Greatly and other works by Brené BrownHelp: The Original Human Dilemma by Garret KeizerTherapy and support lines — because real help starts with reaching outSBX Productions for help creating your own podcast Mic-Drop Moments “Individually we’re limited—but together, we’re unlimited.” “Help isn’t a detour—it’s the road to stronger work.” “Sometimes people need to struggle. And sometimes they need to know they’re not alone in it.” Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks Thank you to Local Wisdom for funding and fostering the conversations that bring more heart to the workplace. Shoutout to Brielle Saracini (producer), and the incredible team at SBX Productions—Vince, Taylor, and Bill—for helping us sound as good as we feel. Share the Help If something in this episode moved you, reminded you, or gave you courage—don’t keep it to yourself. Rate, review, share with a friend, or forward to someone who needs a nudge to raise their hand and say, “Hey, I could use a little help.” Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 3: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Influenced? Episode Description Influencer fatigue, TikTok tips, corporate jargon, lawn envy, and the boss who suddenly wants to “go agile” after reading one McKinsey article—sound familiar? In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore how deeply we're all influenced—by social media, our neighbors, our leaders, and even ourselves. The conversation spans from the science of subconscious mimicry to the ways workplace “best practices” are sometimes just rituals no one remembers the reason for. Together, they unpack: Timestamps Wisdom That Feels So Right Humanocracy by Gary HamelDopamine Nation by Dr. Anna LembkeHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieTED Talk: How to Fight and Win the Information War by Peter PomerantsevPeter Gabriel’s song “We Do What We’re Told” (inspired by the Milgram Experiment)Stanley Milgram's Obedience Study (psychological experiments on authority and compliance) Mic-Drop Moments “Influence gives us direction. But too much of it, unchecked, shapes us into something we didn’t choose.” “Even saying nothing is saying something—especially when you’re a leader.” “Work should feel like a flow state, not a factory reset.” Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Gratitude & Support Shoutout to Local Wisdom for making this podcast possible—and for building the kind of culture that actually feels human. Thanks to SBX Productions for making us sound pro, and to our powerhouse producer Brielle Seracini for keeping the wheels turning. Join the Movement If this episode made you smile, made you think, or made you throw your phone across the room—we want to hear about it. Follow, rate, review, and share with friends, teammates, or your boss (subtly). You can also visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to keep the conversation going. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 2: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Honest at Work? Episode Description Can you really speak your truth at work without risking relationships, reputation, or your job? In this episode of Why Does it Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee dig deep into the complex emotional, social, and cultural dynamics around honesty in the workplace. They ask: Through personal stories, research insights, and straight-up vulnerability, Chris and Pinaki explore the messy middle between truth and tact—including how to create a psychologically safe environment where honesty can thrive. They also introduce concepts like: This episode closes with another segment of Wisdom That Feels So Right, highlighting the best books and frameworks on honesty, trust, and communication. Timestamps Wisdom That Feels So Right Nobody Believes You by Jenni FieldCrucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson et al.“Performance vs. Trust”Start With Why by Simon SinekTed Lasso (TV series, Apple TV+) Key Takeaways “Honesty without compassion can be cruel.” — Kristen Hancock “When everyone says yes and no one means it, you're in a fantasy relationship.” “We overestimate the negative impact of truth—and underestimate the positive.” Connect with Us Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks Thank you to Local Wisdom and our rockstar producer Brielle Seracini for making this podcast possible. If your team is wrestling with truth, culture, or communication—let’s take this show on the road to your organization. Let’s Keep It Real: If this episode made you laugh, cringe, think—or gave you the urge to forward it anonymously to your boss—please rate, review, and share. We’d love to hear your honest take. Connect with us on LinkedIn and join the conversation. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Change is inevitable, but why does it feel so uncomfortable at work? From sudden reorgs to shifting expectations, employees are often left feeling powerless. In this episode, Chris and Pinaki explore why change is so hard to navigate, how uncertainty workplace culture, and what leaders can do to make transitions smoother. Let’s rethink how we approach change so that it feels less like a disruption and more like an opportunity. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2 is here. Join Pinaki Kathiari (Local Wisdom) and Chris Lee (Gallagher) as they dig into the contradictions of modern work culture—like why change feels scary and gossip feels great. It’s honest, human, and maybe a little uncomfortable. New episodes dropping soon. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your audio podcasts. Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Have you ever made a big mistake at work or felt like you failed at doing your job? Of course you have – we’re all human! In this episode, we’ll talk about ways to change our mindset regarding failure and how to utilize the power and learning opportunities that failure brings.

Have you ever questioned the data on something, just because your gut and intuition were telling you that something was off? Having access to data is an incredibly powerful asset, but we must take the surrounding narrative and context into account. In this episode, we’ll talk about why it’s important to be critical of the information we’re presented with and how to ensure we’re mixing both storytelling and data into our everyday decision-making.

Have you ever put the needs of your company before your own? Do you struggle with finding an appropriate work-life balance? In this episode, we’ll talk about why prioritizing self-care and mental health is not only better for you, but why it is better for your organization, as well.

Have you ever thought about why organizations spend so much time and effort to create an incredible customer experience, yet overlook the importance of creating a decent employee experience? Why is there not as much focus on creating a consumer-grade experience at work for our own internal teammates? In this episode, we’ll talk about how an enhanced employee experience makes the organization more successful overall.

Have you ever felt like you couldn’t reply to a group email, even though you had something important or encouraging to say? In this episode, we’ll talk about why we withhold participating in these types of conversations and how the “unwritten rules” of office etiquette impact our communication styles.

Have you ever felt like your colleagues or bosses were speaking a different language at work because of all the buzzwords that they were using? Corporate jargon can be confusing, alienating, and unnecessary. In this episode, we’ll talk about how this can impact our communication, our relationships, and our work.

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong at work? In this episode, we’ll be joined by the incredible Priya Bates, President of “Inner Strength Communication Inc.” and author of “Building a Culture of Inclusivity: Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”, for a meaningful and impactful conversation about DEIB.

Have you ever played hooky from work? Have you ever felt guilty for not working when it’s within the hours of your traditional workday – even if you know that you’ll make up that time later in the week? In this episode, we’ll talk about why it’s more beneficial – for you and your organization – to work when you’re feeling most productive.

Have you ever felt like you couldn't say no to your boss, even when you really wanted to? Or maybe you've disagreed with a coworker, but you didn't feel comfortable voicing your opinion. In this episode, we'll talk about why it feels so wrong to do these things – and we aim to empower you to say “no” more often when just saying “yes” goes against your core beliefs.