A Word With Yourself

In this episode, we dig into the role of degrees in modern hiring—and whether they’re still relevant in a skills-based world.Lesley and Jennifer explore how requiring a degree for roles that don’t need them can limit talent, reinforce privilege, and quietly exclude great candidates. They also reflect on personal experiences from both sides of the hiring table, and what equity in recruitment really looks like.

After a packed week at Elevate Conference, Lesley and Jennie unpack everything from the rise of Canada-first tech talk to the overuse of “AI” as a buzzword. Plus, an unexpected repetitive strain injury, an emergency room detour, and a cultural deep dive into high-fives.

In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we talk about the little rituals that get us through the day — even when they’re not exactly helpful. From the comfort of take-out coffee cups to scrolling ourselves into a hole, we unpack why certain habits feel productive even when they’re not. Plus: why fidgeting helps some of us think, and the endless appeal of a new notebook.

We’re back from summer break—and unfortunately, so are return-to-office mandates.In this episode, we talk about Ontario’s decision to drag public servants back to the office five days a week, the real reasons behind it (spoiler: it’s not productivity), and the ripple effects for equity, burnout, and retention.We unpack why “quiet cracking” is just burnout in a rebrand, how performative presenteeism is still alive and well, and why so many corporate decisions feel anti-worker by design.Also: why companies think hardship = productivity, what commutes really cost people, and a mini tea rant (literally).Timestamps0.00 - 4.58: Post Summer Catch Up4:58 - 19.41: Return-to-Work Mandates19.41 - End: Quiet Cracking

Why is saying no so hard? And why does it matter for your career? In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we explore the power of setting boundaries at work, why saying no is a leadership skill that separates decision-makers from doers, and how to do it without damaging relationships.We’ll also talk about workplace culture, people-pleasing, and—because life is about balance—our obsession with Diet Coke.👉 Learn: • Why saying no is critical for career growth • How to communicate a no without burning bridges • The link between boundaries and leadership successTimestamps0.00 - 21.25: Intro - Diet Coke, GAA and more21.26 - End: How to Say No at Work

In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we unpack the shrinking world of entry-level jobs thanks to AI—and why that might be a bigger problem than it seems. We talk about the value of "grunt work," how junior roles are often where you learn the most, and what happens when the intern is ChatGPT.We also dive into the increase in return-to-office mandates, companies justifying it with identical corporate jargon, and why trades might be making a comeback. Plus, a bizarre-but-true story about a sausage factory, a man named Jim (not his real name), and the hidden cost of chasing efficiency.Timestamps0.00 - 3.18: General catch-up3.19 - 18.45 : AI and the future of entry-level jobs18.45 - 22.36: More return-to-office mandates22.36 - end: The hidden cost of efficiency, ft. a Chicago sausage factory

In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we unpack the “one-size-fits-most” hybrid work model, how Irish professionals can adapt to Canada’s work culture, and why being modest might be your biggest job-hunting mistake. They share tips on how to network like a local, what to say in interviews, how to negotiate vacation (yes, you can), and why your CV is now a résumé.Timestamps:0:00 – 7:10 → Hybrid Work Proposal7:11 – End → Practical Tips for Irish Professionals in Canada

AI is changing everything — but not without reflecting the same old biases we've spent decades trying to fix. In this episode, we unpack what happened when AI generated images of us (and why we all somehow looked like the same middle-aged man).We dive into how bias shows up in AI, the hidden risks it brings to hiring and career growth, and why trades and skilled work are becoming more valuable than ever. Plus, we explore why critical thinking is becoming the real "future-proof" skill — and what it will take to build a better path forward.

In this episode, we wrap up our series on cognitive biases and logical fallacies with a practical guide to spotting and sidestepping them at work. From the halo effect and groupthink to recency bias and moral licensing, we break down how these mental shortcuts sneak into meetings, hiring decisions, and brainstorms.Plus, we explore why “make it pop” is the vaguest feedback of all time—and what it really says about your design process.

In this episode, we continue our discussion on cognitive biases and fallacies that influence our decision-making—often without us realizing it. Building on our previous conversation, we explore three more biases that subtly impact our workplace interactions, negotiations, and overall perceptions.We break down:🔹 Ad Hominem Bias – When we judge ideas based on the person presenting them rather than their merit. 🔹 Anchoring Bias – How the first piece of information we receive (whether a number, deadline, or impression) shapes all future decisions. 🔹 Availability Heuristic – Why our brains prioritize the most memorable or recent information over a more accurate, balanced view.We also touch on the red flags we’ve encountered in workplace interactions, sales pitches, and even digital marketing strategies. Plus, a little sidebar on why Jennie refuses to take shots.Join us for another deep dive into the psychology behind decision-making, and learn how to spot (and counter) these biases in real time.

Ever had your idea ignored—only for your boss to use it as their own? Or worked in a place where everything is urgent or an emergency? In this episode of A Word with Yourself, we’re diving into more workplace red flags, from idea-stealing managers to poor delegation and unnecessary power plays. Plus, we share smart ways to handle these situations without losing your sanity. Next time, we’re tackling red flags in job descriptions—stay tuned!

In this episode, we unpack everything from political theatrics at the White House to the latest twists in celebrity lawsuits—and how media narratives shape public opinion. We also dive into misleading job descriptions, the hiring process, and why some roles ask for everything but the kitchen sink.Plus, a debate on the Daily Mail as a guilty pleasure, a questionable marketing plan, and an unexpected detour into snow tubing and cupcakes.