What does it mean to actually live your values — even when it costs you something? In this episode of Hard at Work, Ellen sits down with executive coach, speaker, and visionary leader Lindsey T.H. Jackson to unpack the practice of unlearning, the courage it takes to align actions with values, and how mid-career women can reconnect with their authentic selves.

Lindsey shares powerful stories about walking away from VC funding to stay true to her company’s anti-racist values, why anger is a signal of potential, and how leaders can move beyond fear to create people-centered workplaces. Together, Ellen and Lindsey dig into generational shifts at work, why “lazy ease” is toxic, and the everyday practices that help us return to ourselves.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between old rules and the possibility of something better, this episode will help you imagine — and build — a healthier, more authentic way forward.

Tags: Leadership, Women at Work, Workplace Culture, Unlearning, Authentic Leadership, Values-Based Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, Anti-Racist Leadership, Boundaries at Work, Career Growth, Women in Leadership, Personal Development, Mid-Career Women, Coaching, Resilience

We’ve all done it: talked ourselves out of something we know would make life better. A walk. A tough conversation. A career change. But what’s really going on when you know you should do the thing…and you don’t?

In this solo episode of Hard at Work, Ellen Whitlock Baker breaks down the science of “blockers” — the protective part of your brain that sounds the alarm whenever something feels new, different, or risky. She explains how neuroplasticity works, why change feels so threatening, and the three simple steps you can use to prove your blockers wrong.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the cycle of overthinking, avoidance, and regret, this episode will show you how to take tiny experiments that lead to big clarity.

Tags: career clarity, overcoming fear, burnout, blockers, start anyway, neuroscience, boundaries, clarity coaching, workplace change, stuck at work, Hard at Work podcast

What does it actually take to build something from scratch—and stay sane while doing it? Ellen talks with Jaebadiah Gardner, founder of Gardner Global, about building wealth, navigating burnout, and pushing past barriers as a Black and Latino entrepreneur. They get real about hustle culture, staying grounded, and what success looks like behind the scenes. If you’ve ever felt stuck, under-resourced, or underestimated, this one’s for you. A thoughtful, no-bullshit conversation about grit, ambition, and making room for rest—even when the stakes are high.

What if the system isn't broken—what if it's working exactly as it was designed to? In this soul-deep episode, I talk with coach and speaker Merit Minnemeier about conscious leadership, reclaiming your voice, and how to lead without losing yourself. We dig into what it means to "come home to yourself" after life knocks you sideways, and why middle managers are the quiet linchpins of workplace culture. Merit shares her personal story of radical reinvention, the neuroscience behind meditation and gratitude, and why human-centric leadership isn’t fluffy—it’s essential. If you're navigating burnout, questioning your next step, or tired of leadership that feels disconnected from real life—this conversation is for you. Keywords: burnout, values, workplace culture, self-trust, middle management, trauma-informed leadership.

What does it really look like to lead from a place of humanity in a system that often values productivity over people? In this episode, Ellen is joined by Robbin Hudson—executive and leadership coach and founder of Gradient, a human equity think tank. Together, they unpack why burnout is rampant, how intergenerational dynamics are reshaping the workplace, and what it means to lead bravely (not perfectly). They explore the myth of safety, the role of story in organizational culture, and why it’s okay to start exactly where you are: stuck. If you’ve ever felt like work is asking too much while offering too little—or if you're a leader trying to do better but unsure where to start—this conversation is for you. Keywords: burnout, values, workplace culture, leadership coaching, equity, belonging, human-centric work.

In this episode of Hard at Work, Ellen is joined by Ryan Stadt—Senior Talent and Inclusion Manager at Sengage Group and executive coach—for a conversation that gets real about what it actually takes to support and grow people-centered leaders. Ryan shares what it looks like when leadership development is fully resourced and taken seriously—and how even organizations without big budgets can design meaningful programs for new managers. From pulse surveys and coaching cohorts to the difference between protecting your team and empowering them, this episode offers both tactical tools and deep insight. Ellen and Ryan also talk openly about the current backlash against DEI, how to keep doing the work even if you stop using the acronym, and why equity-focused change starts with small but intentional decisions. Whether you’re a burned-out middle manager, an HR leader trying to shift workplace culture, or just someone trying to lead without losing your mind, there’s something here for you. Oh—and you’ll definitely want Ryan’s fiction recs. You’ll hear about: the biggest mindset traps new managers fall into, why slowing down is essential to good leadership, what to delegate (and how), the right way to check in with your team, and why designing your own leadership program might be the best move you can make.

This solo episode of Hard at Work is not about inspirational poster values. It's about the real ones—the ones that shape your decisions, your burnout, your boundaries, and your sense of self.

Ellen Whitlock Baker digs into why so many of us (especially women) are unclear on what actually matters to us—and how we often end up living by values handed to us by workplaces, families, and old identities. She shares a powerful, simple framework for getting honest about your core values, inspired by Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead values exercise, and explains how clarifying your true values can be the difference between feeling stuck and finally finding clarity.

This episode is for anyone spinning on a big life or career decision—or just feeling disconnected from themselves. You’ll learn how to spot the values that are actually guiding your behavior, and how to start naming what really matters.

In this vulnerable and wide-ranging conversation, personal branding expert Cat Coffrin joins Ellen to unpack what happens when ambitious women hit a wall—and realize they’ve lost themselves in the process. From working in global policy and green building to launching her own consulting firm, Cat’s story mirrors what so many mid-career professionals experience: success on paper, but disconnection underneath. Through honest storytelling, humor, and deep personal reflection, Cat shares how she rebuilt her identity—and how others can too.

You’ll hear why personal branding isn’t just for entrepreneurs or influencers—it’s a reclaiming tool for anyone feeling lost in a job that no longer fits. Ellen and Cat explore the pressures of perfectionism, the emotional toll of caregiving and grief, and the radical act of telling the truth in professional spaces. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m proud of what I’ve built… but I don’t recognize myself anymore,” this episode will speak to your soul.

You can be grateful for your job and still know it's not working for you anymore. In this solo episode, Ellen gets honest about what it feels like when your career starts to feel more like a cage than a calling—and what to do next. Whether you're burnt out, stuck in a role you're good at but don't love, or haunted by guilt for even thinking about leaving, this one’s for you. We unpack people-pleasing, patriarchy, and how internalized workplace gratitude keeps us trapped. Ellen shares her own turning point and introduces the “Start Anyway” mindset—because clarity doesn’t come before action, it comes from it. You don’t need a five-year plan. You need permission. And maybe this episode is it.

In this conversation, Ellen Whitlock Baker and Jaime Hunt explore the unique challenges of marketing and leadership in higher education. They discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, the lack of training for leaders in higher ed, and the need for integrated marketing strategies. Jaime shares insights from her experience in consulting and teaching, emphasizing the value of coaching and professional development for leaders. The discussion also covers practical exercises for building empathy and addressing employee performance issues, highlighting the importance of understanding individual circumstances in the workplace. In this conversation, Ellen Whitlock Baker and Jaime Hunt explore the importance of empathy in leadership, the challenges faced in higher education, and the necessity of setting boundaries in the workplace. They discuss the pressures that lead to burnout and the importance of finding support systems, whether through coaching or mentorship. The role of AI in enhancing empathetic communication is also examined, alongside a light-hearted discussion about personal interests, such as Jaime's love for turtles.

If you’ve ever been told “we can’t promote you yet—but here’s some extra work,” this one’s for you. In this solo episode, I dig into the toxic dance of performative promotions, how people-pleasing derails your boundaries, and why over-delivering won’t earn you the respect (or raise) you deserve. You’ll hear real talk on transactional workplaces, sneaky flattery, and how to say “no” without setting your whole life on fire. Plus, a surprisingly effective (and spicy) trick for shifting out of people-pleaser mode. If you’ve ever felt like doing more only gets you… more work? You’re not imagining it. Let’s stop self-sabotaging and start reclaiming our time, energy, and self-worth.

Busy is a badge we never asked for—and it’s time to put it down.
In this episode of Hard at Work, Ellen Whitlock Baker sits down with speaker, strategist, and author Kishshana Palmer to talk about what it really means to lead without burning out—and why “busy” has become the badge no one actually wants to wear.

Kishshana shares stories from building her own boutique firm and managing 40-person teams across time zones, showing us how you can create humane, high-performing work cultures—even inside giant bureaucracies. They talk about the power of micro-cultures, why middle managers carry the heaviest loads, and how to build trust on a team without losing yourself in the process.

From pop culture references to practical delegation tips to a love letter to The Golden Girls, this episode is full of perspective-shifting ideas that challenge what leadership is supposed to look like—and what’s possible when we center people, not performance optics.

🎧 You’ll hear about:

Why “collegial” is more powerful than “corporate”

How to build a culture of care in rigid systems

What middle managers really need to thrive (hint: it’s not a productivity tool)

What The Golden Girls can teach us about leadership, loss, and starting over

The courage it takes to begin again after failure—and why we need to talk about it more

📥 Plus: Why every team should do a quarterly step-back, how to let go of busywork, and why showing up with empathy is a strategy, not a soft skill.

Ellen reflects on a truth many of us avoid: rest isn’t easy. In fact, for a lot of us, rest feels wrong—like we're breaking an unspoken rule. In this solo episode of Hard at Work, Ellen unpacks the layers of grind culture, internalized productivity pressure, and the self-sabotage that shows up when we finally try to slow down.

She kicks off the episode by answering an AMA question from a listener who's struggling to maintain boundaries on a leadership team that never stops working. What do you do when the people around you treat 2 a.m. emails like a badge of honor, and you’re trying not to burn out? Ellen offers practical scripts, reframes, and real talk about what's actually in your control—and what's not.

From the influence of capitalism and white supremacy on our inability to rest (shoutout to Tricia Hersey and Rest is Resistance), to simple tools to shift out of survival mode (thank you, Britt Frank and the “DEFUSE” method), Ellen invites listeners to look honestly at what keeps them busy and what they might be avoiding when they resist stillness.

Whether your weekends feel like a second shift or your rest comes with a side of guilt, this episode will help you name what’s happening and offer ideas for doing things differently—without shame, and without apology.

In this episode of the Hard at Work podcast, Ellen Whitlock Baker interviews Anita Verna Crofts, a communications expert and educator. They discuss Anita's journey in negotiating her career, the importance of salary transparency, and how women can advocate for themselves in the workplace. Anita shares her experiences of crafting a life of purpose, balancing multiple roles, and the significance of having a vision for the future. The conversation emphasizes the need for systemic change in salary equity and encourages listeners to explore their own aspirations. In this conversation, Ellen Whitlock Baker and Anita Verna Crofts explore the importance of intentional thinking about one's future, particularly for women. They discuss the significance of financial literacy, the dynamics of workplace relationships, and the necessity of advocacy in professional spaces. The conversation emphasizes the need for community building and transparency, especially in the face of societal challenges. They also touch on the responsibility of individuals with privilege to use their voices for advocacy and the importance of self-care and putting oneself first in the journey of personal growth.

Four generations, one workplace—and a whole lot of friction. In this episode, Ellen dives into the quiet resistance many of us feel when the workplace norms we grew up with start to shift. She shares what it’s like to navigate generational differences in real time, from being told not to cry at work to managing employees who name burnout out loud (gasp!).

This isn’t about bashing any generation—it’s about getting curious. Ellen walks through five practical steps to unpack your instinctive reactions, examine your assumptions, and figure out whether you’re holding on to outdated workplace beliefs just to feel safe. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a Gen Z coworker (or been the Gen Z coworker getting side-eyed), this one’s for you.

We’re talking change, identity, boundaries, and how to be less reactive and more reflective in the middle of a rapidly evolving workplace culture.

In this episode, Ellen Whitlock Baker interviews Montique Cotton Kelly, exploring the complexities of leadership in today's world. They discuss the importance of vulnerability, the challenges of managing teams, and the necessity of finding allies in the workplace. Montique shares her experiences transitioning into leadership roles, the significance of mentorship, and the impact of current societal issues on organizational culture. The conversation emphasizes the need for authentic connections and ongoing support in leadership. In this conversation, Montique Cotton Kelly discusses the importance of flexibility in leadership through the Gumby Initiative, emphasizing the need for a collaborative culture and the operationalization of core values. They explore performance management, the significance of feedback, and how to navigate difficult relationships with bosses. The discussion also touches on the personal fulfillment found in rescuing animals, highlighting the emotional rewards of advocacy and care.

Life doesn’t pause when work gets hard—and work doesn’t stop when life falls apart. In this honest and deeply personal episode, Ellen shares what it’s like to navigate grief, caretaking, and exhaustion while trying to show up professionally. If you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode, spinning in stress, and wondering how to keep going when you’ve got nothing left, this one’s for you.

Ellen breaks down how the stress cycle hijacks your nervous system and what you can actually do about it. We’re talking burnout, emotional labor, and the myth of “just pushing through.” You’ll leave with 3 research-backed, real-world tactics to regulate your body and protect your sanity—without needing a wellness retreat or a two-week vacation.

This episode is for the tired professionals, the quiet overfunctioners, and the ones who hold it all together until they can’t. You’re not broken. You’re just human. Let’s talk about it.

In this conversation, Dr. Kira Mauseth discusses the importance of resilience and behavioral health in the workplace. She explains the distinction between mental health and behavioral health, emphasizing the need for transparency and active listening from leaders. The discussion also covers the significance of boundaries in work culture, the four ingredients of resilience, and how emotional adaptability can enhance leadership effectiveness. The conversation highlights practical strategies for fostering a supportive work environment that prioritizes mental well-being. In this conversation, Kira Mauseth and Ellen Whitlock Baker explore the complexities of emotional responses in decision-making, particularly in leadership during crises. They discuss the concept of disaster cascades, the importance of open communication in teams, and the recognition of burnout. The dialogue emphasizes the need for active coping strategies and personal restoration, while also highlighting the significance of creating a positive work environment and understanding team dynamics.

In this special solo episode, host Ellen Whitlock Baker reflects on the first six episodes of Hard at Work and unpacks the biggest themes that keep surfacing—from navigating systemic bias and invisible labor to learning how to say no before you collapse. Whether you’ve been with the show since day one or you’re just tuning in, this is a powerful moment to pause, connect the dots, and figure out what it all means for you.

Ellen also shares a free resource you can use right now: the Boundaries at Work Toolkit—a downloadable PDF packed with scripts, email templates, and a two-week energy tracker to help you set and sustain boundaries that protect your time and your well-being.

In this candid and energizing conversation, Ellen sits down with Greer Procich—disability advocate, HR expert, and LinkedIn firestarter—to talk about building workplaces that truly work for everyone. From navigating hidden disabilities to reshaping performance reviews, Greer brings both lived experience and sharp strategy. They unpack how access, autonomy, and psychological safety benefit all employees—not just those with disabilities—and why leaders need to stop checking boxes and start changing systems. If you're ready for practical ideas on creating inclusive, equitable, and humane work cultures, this one’s for you.