We all communicate... but are we really saying what matters? So often, the most critical conversations at work are the ones we avoid. We dodge them to keep the peace, to protect ourselves, or because no one ever taught us how to navigate them well.

"Anything worth communicating is because you want somebody to know, do, or feel something. If it’s not landing, it doesn’t matter how you said it." - Andrew Blotky

In this episode of Unserious, we dig into what gets in the way of honest dialogue—and what becomes possible when we move through it. Leadership and communications expert Andrew Blotky, author of Honestly Speaking: How the Way We Communicate Transforms Leadership, Love, and Life and founder of Azure Leadership Group joins us to explore:

• Why self-awareness (and knowing your audience) matters more than what you say
• How clarity is one of the most underrated leadership superpowers
• Ways to give (and get) feedback that actually builds trust
• Simple frameworks for listening better, fostering inclusion, and making hard conversations less scary

It’s candid, a little irreverent, and full of practical wisdom you can bring to your next meeting.

Follow Andrew Blotky on LinkedIn and learn more about his coaching and consulting practice at www.azureleadership.com. Honestly Speaking... is available at https://a.co/d/5C3gCal

Follow Unserious in your podcast app, at unserious.com, and on Instagram and Threads at @unserious.fun.

When people feel seen, heard, and needed at work, everything shifts. Motivation, performance, retention and well-being all improve. Too often that sense of significance is missing, and the cost to teams and organizations is massive.

In this episode, we talk with Zach Mercurio, author of The Power of Mattering, about how leaders can create cultures where people genuinely feel valued. We explore:

- The difference between mattering, belonging, and self-esteem
- What happens when people feel invisible at work and how to prevent it
- The everyday practices leaders can use to help people feel significant
- Why in the age of AI, our ability to care for one another will be the most essential skill

"Mattering happens through interactions, not through awards, perks or programs. Our next great leadership act is in our next interaction." - Zach Mercurio

Prefer video? Watch on YouTube or Spotify.

Check out Zach's book, as well as free a self-assessment and templates at zachmercurio.com.

Follow Unserious in your podcast app, at unserious.com, and on Instagram and Threads at @unserious.fun.

In uncertain times, many leaders play it safe: cutting risks, pulling back, and aiming for stability. But what if the better move is to be bold? In our latest Unserious episode, Puck News CEO Sarah Personette reveals how they practice courageous leadership by betting big and speaking up when much of the media world plays it safe by avoiding the line of fire.

We unpack why news still matters, the business Puck is building, and how her team covers a White House that has moved from threatening news organizations to extorting them for cash and silence.

"Courage is a strategy, not a risk. We would all benefit from leading our lives with that perspective." - Sarah Personette

Watch the full video version on YouTube or Spotify.

Follow Sarah on LinkedIn and sign up at Puck.news.

Follow Unserious in your podcast app, at unserious.com, and on Instagram and Threads at @unserious.fun.