In this thought-provoking episode of The Workplace Wonderers, host Blake Cohen (flying solo while Kara Kirby’s on the road) sits down with fellow doctoral cohort member Ronna Weaver to explore one of the most overlooked realities in corporate life: what happens when talented employees get passed over for a promotion. Together, they unpack: The psychological stressors employees face after being passed over—and how leaders can minimize them. Why transparency and coaching matter more than ever in promotion decisions. How qualitative research helps uncover the human side of workplace experiences. The quiet struggle of middle managers—and why 71% feel unsupported. The ways doctoral study and reflection are transforming how both Blake and Ronna see leadership, systems, and self-growth. If you’ve ever been overlooked, led a team through tough transitions, or simply want to understand how empathy and inquiry can reshape leadership, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to make leadership—and workplaces—more human.

Learn more about Ronna Weaver on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronna-weaver-mba-653b229/

Learn more about Kara Kirby at:

Https://InsightsLG.com

Learn more about Blake Cohen at:

https://BlakeEvanCohen.com

Why do great meetings feel effortless while others drain the life out of a room? Facilitator and OD leader Annie Grace joins Kara Kirby and Blake Cohen to explore the neuroscience and psychology of facilitation - from reading the room to building trust and regulating emotion in real time. The trio discusses power dynamics, trauma-informed practices, and how playful design (yes, even Post-its and LEGO) unlocks creativity and connection. This one’s for anyone who leads, teaches, or gathers people with purpose.

To learn more about Annie Grace, go to:

https://womenfacilitating.com

https://www.theteamtogether.com

To learn more about Kara Kirby, go to:

https://insightslg.com

To learn more about Blake Cohen, go to:

https://BlakeEvanCohen.com

In this thought-provoking episode of Workplace Wonderers, hosts Blake Cohen and Kara Kirby dive deep into the evolving conversation around “toxic workplaces” — and why the term may be losing its punch. They explore the spectrum of workplace behavior, from subtle incivility to overt bullying, and the often-overlooked “mean girl” dynamics that can erode culture. The discussion takes unexpected turns into the psychology of leaders who believe they’re doing the right thing, the manipulative tactics found in cults and organizations, and the ethical grey zones of influence. Packed with real talk, research insights, and challenging questions, this conversation will make you rethink what power, leadership, and workplace culture really mean.

To find out more about Kara, go to:

https://insightslg.com

To find out more about Blake, go to:

https://BlakeEvanCohen.com