62. Who Gets to Decide What's Professional?

What if the behaviours we label as "unprofessional" are really just challenges to outdated workplace assumptions?In this episode, I talk about one of the most accepted yet least questioned ideas in the workplace: professionalism. From tattoos and babies at interviews to executive F-bombs, workplace romances and even a lawyer appearing in court as a cat. I take a closer look at how our understanding of professionalism has changed over time and why it continues to evolve. Along the way, I share personal stories from my own career and challenge some of the assumptions many of us have inherited without ever stopping to question them. You'll learn why professionalism is often less about conduct and more about conformity, how workplace norms are shaped by power and social expectations, and why HR leaders have a responsibility to separate genuine behavioural concerns from outdated ideas about who belongs. If we're serious about building the future of work, we need to become more curious about the assumptions we're protecting and more willing to challenge them. I'd love to hear your thoughts. What workplace assumption do you think is overdue for a rethink? And when was the last time you questioned a workplace norm simply because "that's how it's always been done"? Connect with me on LinkedIn SHOW NOTES: https://trinasunday.com/get-inspired/ Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence.Get Inspired Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/