Corporate Therapy

Episode 17 of Corporate Therapy takes a blowtorch to the myth of workplace creativity. Matt, the corporate plumber, and Rob, the leadership locksmith, rip into the gap between what leaders say they want and what actually happens when someone dares to colour outside the lines. They reveal why joy (not beanbags or post-its) fuels real creativity, how fragility and judgement kill ideas faster than a budget meeting, and why the obsession with efficiency is creativity’s silent assassin.They explain:- Why most people still believe they’re “not creative”- How judgement and risk-aversion bury ideas before they breathe- The hidden link between joy, trust, and productivity- Why constraints can fuel creativity or crush it- How middle managers can protect fragile creativity in toxic environments This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Episode 16 of Corporate Therapy rips into the myths around growth mindset and shows why it’s more than a motivational slogan. Matt, the corporate plumber, and Rob, the leadership locksmith, reveal what really happens when leaders cling to certainty, why unlearning matters more than ever, and how failure becomes the raw material of growth.They explain:* The messy difference between fixed and growth mindsets* Why failure isn’t a detour but the main road to learning* How leaders can swap ego for curiosity* What it takes to build resilience under pressure* Why discomfort is the clearest signal you’re actually growing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Episode 15 of Corporate Therapy takes a hard look at the kind of workplace silence that isn’t about deep focus. It is about fear, politics, and unspoken tension that slowly rots a team from the inside out. Matt, the corporate plumber, and Rob, the leadership locksmith, pull back the curtain on how conflict really plays out behind closed doors. They unpack the difference between healthy quiet and the kind that signals trouble, share personal stories of when ignoring it backfired, and call out why HR isn’t always the hero you think it is. Along the way, they explore whether AI can actually help manage conflict without stripping it of its humanity. This isn’t just theory. They break down how to spot the early signs, how to open the conversations people avoid, and how to turn heated debates into trust-building moments. If you have ever worked somewhere where the loudest thing in the room was the silence, this episode will hit uncomfortably close to home and give you the tools to do something about it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Welcome to Corporate Therapy, where Matt the Corporate Plumber and Rob the Leadership Locksmith rip into the corporate fantasy of perfect prioritisation. You know the one, neat frameworks, rational decisions, zero burnout. Yeah, that’s not how it works. In this episode, they expose why prioritisation often becomes a theatre of busyness, how culture and politics hijack decision-making, and why half your backlog exists just to look productive. It’s part rant, part intervention, loaded with frameworks that actually work, stories of when it all goes to hell, and sharp truths about why getting your priorities straight is less about tools and more about courage. If your team’s drowning in “top priorities” and nothing seems to move, this one’s for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Dive into the latest episode of Corporate Therapy with Matt, your corporate plumber, and Rob, your leadership locksmith, as they tackle the pitfall of people pleasing in the workplace. They discuss how people pleasing can supercharge your early career but turn detrimental as you climb the leadership ladder. Matt and Rob explore the personal experiences, psychological underpinnings, gender norms, and industry-specific challenges that shape people-pleasing behaviour. With tips on setting boundaries, shifting habits, and fostering self-validation, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you break free from the cycle of people pleasing and become a more effective leader. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Welcome to Corporate Therapy, the podcast where Matt Anderson, your corporate plumber, and Rob O’Donnell, your leadership locksmith, fix the leaky pipes of workplace dysfunction. In this episode, they take on the uncomfortable, but unavoidable topic of feedback. Why does it spark so much anxiety? What’s changed now that we’re working behind screens? And why do Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z hear the same feedback three completely different ways? Matt and Rob break down how feedback often goes sideways, the role of HR in making it better (or worse), and why tone, timing, and trust matter more than ever. Rob introduces the BICA model (Behaviour, Impact, Consequence, Action), as a practical way to give feedback without sounding like a corporate robot. If you’ve ever walked away from feedback thinking “What just happened?”, this one’s for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Welcome to Corporate Therapy, the podcast where Matt Anderson, your corporate plumber, and Rob O’Donnell, your leadership locksmith, unravel the quirks of corporate life. In this episode, they dive into the pressing question: Will AI replace middle managers or just make them better? Matt and Rob explore the evolving roles of middle managers, the potential of AI to alleviate administrative burdens, and the importance of the human touch in leadership. They discuss the challenges middle managers face, the potential impact of AI on micromanagement, and the crucial role of culture and coaching. Tune in for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation on the future of middle management in the age of AI. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Join us in Corporate Therapy as we grapple with the role kindness plays in leadership and if it’s actually good for business.Welcome to Corporate Therapy, where Matt Anderson, your friendly corporate plumber, and Rob O’Donnell, the wise people and culture guru, explore the awkward question: Is kindness in leadership a career killer or the secret to better business? They unpack what kindness in leadership actually means, its benefits, and why it's often misunderstood as a weakness. Through personal anecdotes and practical insights, Matt and Rob reveal how authentic kindness can boost engagement, productivity, and trust within organisations. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the science and strategy behind leading with kindness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Join us in Corporate Therapy as we go explore how to crack the code and unlock frontline flexibility.  In this weeks episode of Corporate Therapy Matt Anderson and Rob O'Donnell break down the disconnect between management and frontline workers on the spicy topic of flexibility. Is flexibility for frontline obtainable and if so, how do organisations make it happen. With a mix of humour and deep insights, we explore the real-world impacts and share actionable takeaways to create a more adaptable and fair work environment. Tune in for practical advice on making flexibility work for every staff member, not just the ones on Zoom. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Join us in Corporate Therapy as we unpack different generations’ career expectations, and what’s driving them.Welcome to Corporate Therapy! Matt and Rob try to navigate the heated topic of generational differences in career expectations. Are Gen Z and Millennials truly delusional or just misunderstood? They explore how each generation views loyalty, work-life balance, and career progression, and discuss the challenges businesses face in meeting these diverse needs. Rob shares insights from his Dad’s Boomer role model, while Matt examines the pressures and expectations that shape younger workers' attitudes. Join them for a deep dive into the complexities of managing a multi-generational workforce, as Rob and Matt get in way over their heads. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Join us in Corporate Therapy as we unpack what it’s like to be a new leader, and how to make the most of it.Welcome to Corporate Therapy, where Rob and Matt travel back in time to relive their first leadership gigs. In this episode, they share personal stories, explore the unrealistic expectations often placed on new leaders, and discuss the significant differences between leading in the '90s versus today. Hear the anecdotes, engaging reflections, and practical advice for those stepping into leadership for the first time. From the importance of building relationships to staying calm well its all gone to custard. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Join us in Corporate Therapy as we explore can toxic cultures be fixed, or should you be running for the exits.Welcome to Corporate Therapy, where Matt and Rob tackle the gritty realities of toxic work cultures with wit and wisdom. We'll dig into the signs of toxicity, its impact on mental health and productivity, and reveal true stories of leadership gone wrong. Learn the difference between mere dysfunction and soul-crushing environments, and get insights on navigating, challenging, and transforming toxic cultures. Tune in for practical advice, real-life examples, and strategies to either fix your workplace or know when to bail. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Join us in Corporate Therapy as we get to grips with the dumb stuff corporates do to in try and secure talent.Welcome to the latest episode of Corporate Therapy, where Matt and Rob tackle the incredibly tricky landscape of finding and levelling up talent. Tune in for our take on the state of recruitment, the hidden costs of skipping employee development, and actionable advice on how to build a rockstar team from within.Don't miss out on these eye-opening insights and practical tips that might just save your bacon. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Join us in Corporate Therapy as we look at KPIs, crappy behaviours, and how to really drive performance. Welcome to Corporate Therapy the podcast where Matt and Rob unpack the dumb stuff businesses do. We ask the big juicy questions and hunt down the answers, so you don’t have to! Today on the menu we will be exploring the chaos KPI obsession can create. Why employee surveys are an abomination. How teams creativity knows no limits when gaming crappy KPIs. And our favourite, why everybody hates performance reviews. We will also show you how to link KPIs and objectifies so they actually create kickarse outcomes for all. So grab a cuppa, lets go. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Join us in Corporate Therapy as we unpack Authentic leadership and why being the real deal is so bloody rare in business.  Welcome to Corporate Therapy, the podcast where Matt and Rob unpack the dumb stuff businesses do. We ask the big juicy questions and hunt down the answers so you don’t have to! Today we’re tackling authentic leadership. We’ll keep it real with our stories, experiences and stuff ups. And try to stay on topic with doozy questions like: What happens when you lead with being vulnerable instead of fear tactics? If folks have major character flaws, can they still be an authentic leader? How to spot and nurture authentic leaders. And many more. So come hang out with us. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Join us as we explore the Return to Office pros and cons, backed up with evidence and real experiences.Welcome to Corporate Therapy, the podcast where Matt and Rob unpack the dumb stuff businesses do and ask the juicy questions and chase down the answers! Today, we're tackling the monster topic of 'Return to Work.' Does physical proximity really shape company culture? Is collaboration better when we're breathing the same air? Are we more productive at home or just pretending to work? Join us as we explore these questions, to find out if the old office life is making a comeback, and what it means for your well-being, happiness and productivity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Learn about the pivotal role middle management plays in change, why it’s rough and how you can set them up to succeedWelcome to the first episode of Corporate Therapy! Join Matt Anderson, the corporate plumber, and Rob O’Donnell, the seasoned people and culture fossil, as we look at the endangered species of middle management. With humour and hard-hitting insights, they discuss why middle managers are either the lifeblood or the downfall of organizational success. From the pitfalls of keeping them in the dark to their superpowers in translating strategy to action, this episode unpacks it all. Get ready for an authentic and empathetic conversation about the trials and triumphs of middle management! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com

Unpacking Business Chaos: Welcome to Corporate TherapyJoin Matt Anderson and Rob O'Donnell as they give you a teaser into the upcoming world of Corporate Therapy. Get ready for candid conversations aimed at transforming businesses for the better. Subscribe on Substack, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple for weekly episodes.00:00 Introduction to the Corporate Therapy Podcast00:11 Meet Your Hosts: Matt Anderson and Rob O'Donnell00:17 Exploring Dysfunctional Business Topics00:32 Join the Mission: Changing Businesses for Good00:35 Subscribe and Stay Tuned This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit corporatetherapy.substack.com