What if the problem isn’t that you’re not authentic enough at work—but that authenticity was never meant to protect you in the first place? In this episode of Hard at Work, Ellen is joined by critic, speaker, and author Jodi-Ann Burey (Authentic: The Myth of Bringing Your Full Self to Work) for a deeply honest conversation about why “bring your whole self to work” has become one of the most misleading—and dangerous—ideas in modern workplace culture.

Jodi-Ann breaks down how calls for authenticity shift responsibility away from institutions and onto individuals, especially people of color, women, queer folks, and people with disabilities. They talk about “agents of the status quo” (or “ops”), how power gets protected even in mission-driven organizations, and why diversity in bodies without diversity in decision-making doesn’t change anything. From return-to-office surveillance to nonprofit harm masked by “doing good,” this conversation names what many workers feel but rarely hear said out loud.

Instead of urging people to be braver, louder, or more exposed, Jodi-Ann offers a different framework: access over authenticity. They talk about “stealing access,” building community instead of going it alone, and recalibrating work decisions around survival rather than status. If you’ve been feeling stuck, exhausted, or quietly disillusioned—and wondering why self-expression hasn’t fixed it—this episode offers language, clarity, and a way forward that doesn’t ask you to sacrifice yourself to a broken system.

What if it’s not you — it’s work that’s broken? In this episode, Ellen sits down with labor journalist and author Sarah Jaffe to unpack the brutal truths behind burnout, grief, and the lies capitalism tells us about "loving our job." They dive into the emotional toll of toxic expectations, the myth of meritocracy, and the politics of workplace culture. From unpaid emotional labor to the exploitation built into nonprofit work, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone wondering why work feels so unsustainable. Jaffe offers both systemic insight and deeply personal stories that validate your exhaustion and fuel your curiosity. If you’re tired, disillusioned, or asking "is it just me?" — it’s not. Let this episode be your reminder that the system isn’t working, but you’re not alone.

What if the reason work feels exhausting, isolating, or unsafe isn’t your performance—but a breakdown of trust? In this episode of Hard at Work, Ellen is joined by author, keynote speaker, and workplace thought leader Minda Harts (Talk to Me Nice, The Memo) for a deeply practical conversation about why trust is missing in so many workplaces—and how rebuilding it changes everything.

Minda reframes trust not as a “soft skill,” but as the foundation of healthy workplace culture, psychological safety, and strong leadership. Together, they explore why mistrust has become normalized at work; how ambiguity, control, and outdated leadership models quietly erode trust; and why burnout, disengagement, and loneliness are often symptoms of trust breakdowns rather than individual resilience failures. Minda introduces her seven trust languages—including transparency, follow-through, feedback, security, and acknowledgement—and explains how small, intentional leadership behaviors can rebuild trust even inside rigid or fast-moving systems.

This episode is especially relevant for leaders and managers navigating return-to-office mandates, constant change, and pressure from above while trying to support teams below. It’s also for employees wondering what to do when trust feels broken. You’ll leave with practical scripts, reflection questions, and a powerful reframe: trust is not about being perfect—it’s about being human, communicative, and consistent. And when trust is present, work doesn’t just feel better—it actually works better.

Why are nonprofit leaders still burning out while doing work they love? In this powerful season finale, Ellen sits down with nonprofit consultant and CEO of Common Great, Ariel Glassman Barwick, to talk about the nonprofit "death spiral" and what we must do to stop it. They unpack why so many fundraising and leadership structures are unsustainable, how moral injury shows up in development work, and why perfectionism and toxic expectations are crashing the sector. Ariel shares what leaders must do to protect themselves and their teams in a time when doing less can actually mean more impact. If you're a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, board member, or just someone trying to make a difference without losing your soul—this one's for you.

Season 2 of Hard at Work explores what happens when the systems we’re told to trust begin to fail us. Through candid conversations with leaders, authors, coaches, and culture-shifters, this season examines burnout as a structural issue—not a personal one. Together, these episodes name the myths that keep people overworking, the inequities baked into workplace culture, and the grief many carry when work no longer aligns with who they are. This season doesn’t offer quick fixes. It offers clarity, language, and permission to ask better questions about power, boundaries, and what it means to stay human at work.

This season of Hard at Work explores burnout, power, and what it means to stay human inside systems that weren’t built for us.

After 30 episodes, Season 1 of Hard at Work wraps with this solo reflection from Ellen Whitlock Baker on what she's learned — and what we’re all still up against. From burnout and perfectionism to sneaky societal conditioning, Ellen names the quiet parts out loud: why work still isn’t working and what we can actually do about it. She shares the not-so-glamorous behind-the-scenes of launching a podcast, the lessons her guests taught her, and the truth about our broken workplace systems. If you’ve ever felt like it’s all too much and you’re still supposed to smile through it, this finale will hit home. You’re not imagining it — the expectations are too high, the system is outdated, and we’re overdue for change. Listen in and get fired up for what’s next.

What does it take to stop abandoning ourselves in the name of service, selflessness, or keeping the peace? In this electric episode of Hard at Work, Ellen sits down with Erin Gallagher—author of Hype Women and founder of the Hype Women movement—to talk about unlearning the systems that pit women against each other and coming back to ourselves. They dig into toxic workplace dynamics, how patriarchy and capitalism shape our friendships, and the invisible labor women carry at work and home. Erin shares how turning 40, setting boundaries, and facing her anger changed everything. From Jamie Lee Curtis to book deals to mom guilt, this episode is real, raw, and radically validating. If you’ve ever been burned by a mean girl or told you were "too much," this one’s for you.

What if your anxiety isn’t a flaw, but a built-in safety feature? In this episode of Hard at Work, Ellen sits down with Britt Frank—licensed neuropsychotherapist and author of The Science of Stuck and Align Your Mind —to explore the science of our brains, burnout, emotional patterns, and what it really takes to get unstuck. They dive into anxiety as a check engine light, how "micro yeses" create sustainable change, and why your brain resists even the things you want. Britt also shares why work should be human, not therapeutic, and how leaders can move from over-empathy to curiosity. If you're tired of blaming yourself for "not doing the thing," or if you lead people who are stressed, stuck, or burned out—this one’s for you.

What does it really mean to build a culture where people thrive—and not just survive? In this episode, I talk with business coach and consultant Melissa Fackler about systems that actually support people, values that guide real decisions, and why so many organizations wait until it’s too late to change. We get into burnout, leadership blind spots, and the myth that working harder = working better. Melissa shares the three-part cycle her company uses to help leaders get unstuck—and the daily habits that matter way more than lofty mission statements. We also talk about how not to weaponize your mission and why culture isn’t your brand colors—it’s how people feel at work. If you’re in the messy middle of leadership, growth, or change, this one’s for you.

In this solo episode of Hard at Work, Ellen Whitlock Baker shares three leadership mistakes she wishes she could go back and do differently — and the practical steps you can take to avoid them.

From listening less and talking too much, to modeling unhealthy work habits, to relying on vague job descriptions and biased review processes, Ellen unpacks why these common traps harm teams and what managers can do instead.

You’ll learn how to:

Listen with curiosity instead of defensiveness

Model boundaries and healthy work habits (instead of hustle)

Create clear job plans and fair review processes that prevent burnout and bias

If you’ve ever wondered how to be the kind of manager people actually want to work for — start here.

Tags: leadership mistakes, management tips, healthy workplace, career clarity, burnout prevention, boundaries at work, fair reviews, leadership coaching, Hard at Work podcast, Ellen Whitlock Baker

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.