Why Prioritisation Feels Like a Rigged Game

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