In this episode of Workplace Confessions Behind Closed Doors, hosts Elsa Barbi and Dawn Andrews welcome an anonymous engineer who takes listeners on a candid journey through his career. The conversation kicks off with stories of youthful ambition and the lessons learned from a first job as a paperboy, before delving into the realities of working in the field of engineering. The guest opens up about the challenges of building transportation infrastructure in a car-centric society, the importance of public service, and how family influences shaped his path.

The discussion explores the highs and lows of engineering: the difficulty of negotiating with stakeholders, the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life, and the surprising necessity of soft skills for success. The guest shares hard-earned insights about leadership, resilience after setbacks, and the value of collaboration across disciplines. The episode doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable, including a frank reflection on a disturbing workplace incident and the need for stronger action and empathy from leaders.

Listeners also hear about the persistent lack of diversity in engineering and the changing stereotypes of the profession. With humor and honesty, the episode provides both cautionary tales and moments of inspiration for anyone navigating the world of work. Tune in for real stories, unexpected confessions, and a reminder that every career has secrets, and lessons, behind closed doors.

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The episode features a psychologist specializing in sexual health who traces their path from early childcare work to roles in hospitals and universities before shifting from child psychology to adult and college‑aged clients. Their current practice blends individual and relational work on issues like sexual disconnection, pain, communication, ethical non‑monogamy, kink, and BDSM, emphasizing that therapy is about guiding insight rather than offering answers. They describe the emotional demands of supporting clients through trauma and suicidality, relying on meditation and visualization to stay grounded, and share memorable moments, including personally transporting a client in psychosis to the ER. Throughout, they highlight how shame and lack of education make conversations about sex difficult, advocate for comprehensive sex education, and debunk myths that exposure to sexuality or LGBTQ+ identities influences a child’s identity.

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This episode explores the importance of accessibility in coaching, emphasizing that coaching should not be limited to corporate environments but made available across various industries, trades, and to young people entering the workforce. The conversation clarifies the distinctions between mentors, sponsors, therapists, friends, and coaches, noting that while mentors and sponsors may guide or advocate for someone's career within an organization, and therapists address past issues, coaches focus on partnering with individuals to help them achieve their goals through accountability and effective questioning.

Memorable workplace experiences are shared, including the unusual challenge of relocating a family's horses internationally and dealing with a disruptive employee incident. The discussion touches on the confidential and sometimes ethically complex nature of HR roles, highlighting the need for HR professionals to balance company interests with compassion for employees. For those interested in becoming executive coaches, it is suggested to do research, take classes, and consult with current coaches to understand the reality of the profession. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the myths and realities of coaching, the value of compassion in HR, and the personal fulfillment found in helping others grow.

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