What does belonging at work actually look like—beyond posters and policies? Organizational culture expert Faith Clarke (engineer-turned-people-systems strategist) joins us to unpack “yes-yes” solutions, internal vs. external motivation, and how microcultures (5–8 person teams) can transform organizations. We talk listening as leadership, practicing—not preaching—values, and why work besties aren’t just emotional support humans…they’re co-creators of culture.

Top Takeaways

• Culture is practiced, not posted. Microcultures beat macroculture slogans.
• “Yes-Yes” solutions: bridge tensions so both needs are met.
• Internal > external motivation for sustainable behavior and performance.
• Belonging = shared care + protection. People stay and thrive when they feel looked after.
• Start small. Build skills interpersonally, then in small groups, then scale.
• Leaders model vulnerability. Listening with curiosity (not fixing) builds trust.
• 80/20 rule. A few changes in listening and co-creation drive most results.
• Work friendships fuel belonging and make hard work possible.

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband

High performance can come with hidden costs.

In this conversation, the Work Besties, Jess and Claude chat with therapist Laurel VanDerToorn, who explains why trauma and burnout can hit high achievers hard—and what real, sustainable recovery looks like. We dig into the early signs (brain fog, fatigue, cynicism), why “just take a vacation” misses the mark, and how small, repeatable behaviors compound into resilience. Laurel shares her four-layer approach—physical health → behavioral routines → deep relationships → values alignment—plus boundary-setting scripts, the Four D’s (Do, Date, Delegate, Delete), and how to protect your nervous system in 24/7 work cultures. If you’ve been feeling crispy, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

• High achievers face unique pressures and a heightened need for privacy.
• Vacations are a band-aid; sustainable recovery needs system-level changes.
• Catch the early signs: fatigue, brain fog, aches, rising cynicism.
• Start with small behaviors (sleep, nutrition, movement, phone hygiene).
• Physical health checks (labs, thyroid/iron) can rule out confounders.
• Relationships (yes, work besties) buffer burnout.
• Boundaries and delegation reduce overload.
• Align daily actions with personal values to lower burnout risk.
• Protect your nervous system with on-ramps/off-ramps to the workday.

Contact Laurel VanDer Toorn via her website

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband

What does it really mean to be an ally at work? And how can we build cultures where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered?

In this episode of Work Besties Who Podcast, Jess & Claude sit down with Dr. Victoria Mattingly, a behavioral scientist, author, and inclusion strategist who helps organizations turn DEI from theory into daily practice.

Together, they unpack what true allyship looks like — not as a buzzword, but as an everyday commitment. From recognizing privilege to having brave conversations about equity, Dr. Mattingly breaks down how small, intentional actions can shift entire workplace cultures.

She also shares why work besties play a vital role in inclusion — creating safe spaces, amplifying each other’s voices, and modeling what real allyship looks like in action.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• How allyship drives inclusion, diversity, and equity in the workplace
• The behavioral science behind why inclusion feels hard — and how to make it easier
• Simple, everyday actions that make a real difference
• Why uncomfortable conversations are essential for growth
• How leaders can embed DEI into decision-making and culture
• The powerful link between allyship, mental health, and belonging
• Why your work bestie might just be your greatest ally

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Inclusion is a choice made in every interaction.
• Allyship is a practice — not a one-time act.
• DEI is good for people and good for business.
• Work besties help create the psychological safety needed for true inclusion.

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband

Do you ever feel like social media is running you instead of the other way around? 🎥✨

In this episode, Work Besties Jess & Claude sit down with Britney Crosson (Founder, Fun Love Media) and Megan Colwell (Art Director at Fun Love Media + artist behind Megan Creates Art) to explore how to make showing up online fun again—and sustainable.

What You’ll Hear:

• Their work bestie origin story (including a giant jar of olives 🫒)
• Why digital community > follower counts
• How to avoid burnout with Britney’s Focus / Fine / Force posting framework
• The two “gut-check” questions before you post: Would someone share this? & Do I think it’s funny?
• How Fun Love Media helps clients build camera confidence and authentic brand voices

Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or just someone trying to post without pressure, this episode reminds us that social success isn’t about numbers—it’s about people, connection, and joy.

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband

In this inspiring episode of Work Besties Who Podcast, we sit down with Roxy Couse—content creator, corporate leader, and the voice behind the “Millennial Manager” movement. Roxy shares how she balances a thriving corporate career with consistent content creation, why authenticity is the foundation of personal branding, and how community and storytelling drive her success.

From tackling burnout to setting boundaries, Roxy opens up about the lessons she’s learned along the way. We also explore the lighter side—her love for iced coffee, her rule about work besties, and why you don’t need permission to be funny at work.

If you’ve ever wondered how to merge corporate life with creative expression, this episode will give you both the encouragement and the strategies to start today.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why performance alone won’t get you promoted
• How to balance corporate responsibilities with creative passions
• The role of authenticity and personal branding in content creation
• Roxy’s strategy for avoiding burnout through high/low effort content
• Why one true work bestie can make all the difference
• The power of storytelling in building community and influence
• How small rituals—like coffee—can connect us back to our roots

Takeaways:

• You don’t need permission to be funny.
• Authenticity is key in content creation.
• Balancing corporate life and content creation is challenging but possible.
• Personal branding should reflect all aspects of who you are.
• Boundaries protect what matters most.
• Work besties provide essential workplace support.
• Managing burnout requires self-care and content balance.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for engagement.
• Building community creates lasting growth.
• Finding joy in small moments enhances daily life.

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband

Most of us don’t actually choose how we show up — we default. In this powerful conversation, Marcy Axelrod, author of How We Choose to Show Up, joins Jess and Claude to unpack what it really means to bring your whole self to work and life.

From the science of empathy and psychological safety to simple reset tools you can try today, Marcy shares why “just showing up” isn’t enough — and how shifting into “truly showing up” changes everything.

✨ In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why authenticity at work is more than a buzzword
• The science behind empathy and connection
• Reset tools like breathwork and “tracing a 3” to manage stress
• How one café story revealed the shift from judgment to compassion
• Practical ways to repair, set boundaries, and create safety in meetings
• The one daily question that expands how you choose to show up

Whether you’re a leader, teammate, or work bestie, this episode is a guide to moving from default mode into intentional, connected presence.

🔗 Connect with Marcy: choosetoshowup.com

💚 Loved this conversation? Tag your work bestie and share how you’re choosing to show up today.

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband

Dancer, speaker, and relationship coach Linda Sutton reveals how Argentine tango maps to work: leadership & followership as functions, not hierarchy; why consent and distance create safety; and how followers amplify a leader’s intent. From the “Invite → Embrace → Boundaries” framework to a simple reset line—“I’m just here to follow”—this convo turns dance into a practical playbook for teams and Work Besties.

Chapters

• 00:00 Tango, Body Language & Relationships
• 08:21 Leadership & Followership in Tango
• 16:53 Power Dynamics: Leading vs Following
• 25:07 Build Trust Through Movement
• 30:10 Body Language & Emotional Cues
• 36:03 Follower Amplifies the Leader (Tiny Lead, Big Expression)
• 39:39 Workplace Leadership & Teams: Applying Tango Principles

Key takeaways

• Roles = functions, not power. There’s no leader without a follower—partnership is an agreement.
• Invite → Embrace → Boundaries. Define closeness and consent explicitly (at work, too).
• Body > words. Most signals are nonverbal—read posture, distance, and tone for alignment.
• Safety is visible. Consent & distance are real-time cues leaders must protect.
• Amplification effect. A tiny lead becomes a big expression—the follower reflects and magnifies intent.
• Lead by listening. Build micro-feedback into every “step” so teams adjust before things break.
• Reset misalignment. Use the calm prompt: “I’m just here to follow.”

Try it this week

• Set your team’s embrace: agree on boundaries (response times, meeting norms, off-limits hours).
• Practice “no solutions—just space.” Ask “Do you want advice or a listening ear?”
• Run a micro-feedback loop: after each meeting, one sentence—“What worked / what to tweak next time?”

Guest: Linda Sutton — dancer, speaker, creator, relationship coach
Book: It Takes Two to Tango (the 22-step framework mentioned in the episode)
Website (as mentioned): lindadesutton.com • lindadesutton.com/ebook

Hosts: Jess & Claude — Work Besties Who Podcast
If you enjoyed this, follow, rate ★★★★★, and share with your Work Bestie!

Tags: leadership, followership, tango, body language, psychological safety, teams, workplace communication, boundaries, trust, micro-feedback

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband

In this thought-provoking episode, Jess and Claude dive into the power of work besties and intentional communication with Colleen Robinson and Deanna Pemberton, founders of Digital Dojo. Their work blends martial arts, coaching, and integral medicine—bringing fresh insights into how relationships thrive in both personal and professional settings.

Together, they unpack:

• Why listening is more than just hearing.
• How setting standards can be more empowering than boundaries.
• The role empathy plays in building authentic connections.
• Why two perspectives can be valid at the same time.
• Practical steps for self-empowerment and stronger relationships.

From “breath-to-breath listening” to reframing how we think about boundaries, this conversation challenges old patterns and equips you with tools for personal growth, better communication, and deeper connections.

🔑 Takeaways

• Work besties make work better.
• Communication is the foundation of any relationship.
• Standards > boundaries.
• Listening actively leads to understanding.
• Empowerment starts with self-awareness.

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You can watch the full episode on Youtube
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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband