#35 | Office Drama Is Never About the Hamper and What Margaret's Christmas Chutney Teaches You About Leadership Influence & Promotion.

Episode 2 brings us to the Marketing department, where a mystery Christmas hamper lands on Desk 14, belonging to the formidable Margaret - patron saint of “I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed.” Cue panic, silence, and the kind of tension only a British office can generate over chutney, cheese wheels, and a questionable ribbon.A tiny moment of misplaced gifting turns into a masterclass in pattern spotting, calm thinking, and stepping up when no one else will.In this episode you’ll hear:A whole office freeze because Margaret simply asks a questionThe Business Development junior’s walk of shameThe “Bold move” whisper that tells you everything about workplace politicsWhy small acts of courage create huge ripplesPower Move: Make It Matter Little Move: Deliver clarity when everyone else is dithering.What You’ll Take Away: Office drama is never about the hamper. It’s about ownership, expectations, and knowing when to act instead of stare.Contact Caroline [email protected] orConnect with her hereNew episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at [email protected] - I read them all.And here is the Spotify Playlist to accompany UnShakeable Her.Unshakeable Her is the podcast for women in leadership who are ready to build real influence, earn the promotion they deserve, and lead with confidence in systems that weren't built for them. Each episode tackles the challenges that shape leadership from the inside out, including imposter syndrome, resilience, credibility, boundaries, conflict, and feedback, while unpacking how pressure, workplace politics, strategic thinking, decision-making, and visibility affect the way ambitious women grow, lead, and get promoted without losing themselves in the process.