What do you do when you do everything right, and it still isn't enough? In this episode of My Worst Memory, host Robin Cohen sits down with Demi Tsasis, Founder of Product Growth Coach (ex-AllTrails, MyFitnessPal) to discuss how she survived switching careers during the major Under Armour / MyFitnessPal acquisition. Oh, and don't worry–it definitely wasn't easy, straightforward or intuitive. Formative career moment? ✅

Episode themes: self-advocacy, knowing your worth, salary discrepancies, job changes, personal growth

Chapters

03:00 "Let's circle back"

04:57 When Business Feels Personal

09:06 Demi's Worst Professional Memory

18:12 An Advocate vs. Friend vs. Ally

22:45 STUDY: Debate Training Can Change Your (Work) Life

28:26 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

30:10 Recognizing When to Move On

31:53 The Watercooler: Take It or Leave It

33:48 It's a Scam: Unlimited PTO

Keywords: workplace culture, product management, self-advocacy, corporate jargon, decision-making, communication, career growth, organizational dynamics, employee relationships, professional development

Have you ever thought you were doing great work, only to be blindsided by a terrible review? We're talking so terrible that you might lose your job. You're not alone.

In this episode of 'My Worst Memory,' host Robin Cohen sits down with Colin Dinnie, Employee Experience Specialist & DEIB at Wistia, about the importance of honesty and transparency in the workplace. They discuss the evolving nature of DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging), the challenges companies face in maintaining these initiatives, and the critical role of belonging in fostering a positive workplace culture. Colin shares his personal journey into DEIB, the significance of transparency in hiring practices, and the impact of effective communication on employee experience. The conversation also touches on the importance of self-advocacy, learning styles, and building trust within organizations to enhance overall health and productivity.

Chapters

00:54 Understanding DEI vs DEIB: The Importance of Belonging

02:43 DEI & Politics Today

05:47 How Diversity Benefits Your Customers

08:31 Making The Gold Standard Achievable

09:28 Transparency in DEIB: Sharing Successes and Failures

09:29 The Journey to DEIB: Colin's Background

11:38 Get To Know Colin: Non-Traditional Career Path

14:08 Side Tangent: Microdecisions

14:48 Colin's Worst Memory: The Performance Review

17:42 Manager Enablement

18:51 The Importance of Effective Management

19:29 Let's Run The Numbers: Impact of A Bad Manager

21:23 The Symbiotic Relationship Between Managers and Employees

22:23 The Silver Lining: Honest Communication

23:55 Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace

25:23 How To Advocate For Yourself

28:17 Understanding Learning Styles for Better Communication

29:39 The Watercooler: Learning Styles

33:11 Building Trust and Communication in Organizations

If your job is on the line, how would you perform? In this episode of My Worst Memory, host Robin Cohen speaks with Freddy Dabaghi, Chief Transformation Officer at Crispin, about the time his highly competitive CEO raised the stakes in a client meeting. Option 1: be the best. Option 2: lose your job.

They discuss the importance of self-confidence in leadership, the dynamics of team collaboration, and coping strategies for maintaining forward career progression mid-acquisition. Freddy shares a memorable experience from a high-pressure client meeting and emphasizes the need for a supportive work environment that values diversity and individual strengths. The conversation also touches on the role of personality tests in understanding team dynamics and the importance of open communication among C-suite executives.