https://simplecast.com Don't Do That! Don't Do That! is a podcast to talk about what not to do at work and beyond. Hosts, Karen and Anee, spotlight moments at work that challenge us, frustrate us, and grow us. Each episode will feature honest conversations with leaders who have experienced a “Don’t Do That” moment. Karen and Anee will explore what happened and how to turn a negative experience into a positive. 2025 Don't Do That en Wed, 8 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Wed, 8 Apr 2026 09:00:16 +0000 https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com Don't Do That! https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/7942d808-1232-4728-812e-a0589b1972ab/c9478be1-a3ab-45aa-810b-61972bdd2856/3000x3000/don-t-20do-20that-201-3-20-1.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com episodic Don't Do That! is a podcast to talk about what not to do at work and beyond. Hosts, Karen and Anee, spotlight moments at work that challenge us, frustrate us, and grow us. Each episode will feature honest conversations with leaders who have experienced a “Don’t Do That” moment. Karen and Anee will explore what happened and how to turn a negative experience into a positive. Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll false https://feeds.simplecast.com/jrJt0dua inclusion, organizational development, professional development, women at work, workplace culture, belonging, diversity, diversity equity inclusion, equity Karen Driscoll thedontdothatpod@gmail.com f6050c33-08e9-423c-b0d2-ead81035512b Don’t Let the Room Run You Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with Karen and Anee. Today we’re talking about facilitation. Facilitation is probably not a part of most professional’s vocabulary. But you’ve likely encountered this skill set in meetings, at retreats, or training - when the person leading has control of the room, makes everyone feel engaged, and creates great conversation. That’s facilitation!

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What facilitation is and what is it NOT
  • The role of a facilitator as a guide, focused on the process of moving a group from point A to point B

Some key takeaways are:

  • Facilitation can unlock leadership potential because it leads to better team work and collaboration. It can also improve a leader’s ability to influence others and add value to interactions. 
  • Leaders with facilitation skills provide a way for teams to get to solutions without telling them what to do

Resources (links):

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 8 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/dont-let-the-room-run-you-f7wreO7l Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with Karen and Anee. Today we’re talking about facilitation. Facilitation is probably not a part of most professional’s vocabulary. But you’ve likely encountered this skill set in meetings, at retreats, or training - when the person leading has control of the room, makes everyone feel engaged, and creates great conversation. That’s facilitation!

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What facilitation is and what is it NOT
  • The role of a facilitator as a guide, focused on the process of moving a group from point A to point B

Some key takeaways are:

  • Facilitation can unlock leadership potential because it leads to better team work and collaboration. It can also improve a leader’s ability to influence others and add value to interactions. 
  • Leaders with facilitation skills provide a way for teams to get to solutions without telling them what to do

Resources (links):

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Don’t Let the Room Run You Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme 00:35:18 Welcome listeners! Today on Don’t Do That! we’re talking about facilitation. Facilitation is probably not a part of most professional’s vocabulary. But you’ve likely encountered this skill set in meetings, at retreats, or training - when the person leading has control of the room, makes everyone feel engaged, and creates great conversation. That’s facilitation! Today, we’ll get into what facilitation is, what it is not, and why it’s an important tool in any leader’s toolkit. Welcome listeners! Today on Don’t Do That! we’re talking about facilitation. Facilitation is probably not a part of most professional’s vocabulary. But you’ve likely encountered this skill set in meetings, at retreats, or training - when the person leading has control of the room, makes everyone feel engaged, and creates great conversation. That’s facilitation! Today, we’ll get into what facilitation is, what it is not, and why it’s an important tool in any leader’s toolkit. inclusion, leading teams, diversity equity inclusion, owning the room, diversity, facilitation, leadership, workplace culture false full 20 da99e69a-7f47-405b-82ae-375a0f88e8f6 So now we’re paying for advice? The truth about Executive Coaching Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! Today we’re talking about executive coaching. Is it a powerful leadership tool—or just expensive advice?

Executive coaching used to be something mostly reserved for CEOs and senior executives, but now you see everyone from new managers to seasoned leaders working with coaches to think through career decisions, leadership challenges, and big transitions. Some people swear by it. Others think it’s a professional development grift.

In this episode, we unpack what coaching actually is, when it can be helpful, and when it might not be worth the investment.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What executive coaching actually looks like in practice
  • Why coaching has become more common in complex and virtual workplaces
  • How to tell if coaching is helping—or just validating bad ideas
  • Red flags that someone hired the wrong coach

Some key takeaways are:

  • Coaching works best when leaders are open to reflection and change—not just validation.
  • In fast-moving and distributed workplaces, coaching can create rare space for clear thinking and perspective.
  • Working with a culturally competent coach can broaden your aperture, helping you consider how identity, power, and context shape leadership decisions.
  • Coaching can support leadership growth, but it cannot fix structural problems inside organizations.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/so-now-were-paying-for-advice-the-truth-about-executive-coaching-q9c_71IB Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! Today we’re talking about executive coaching. Is it a powerful leadership tool—or just expensive advice?

Executive coaching used to be something mostly reserved for CEOs and senior executives, but now you see everyone from new managers to seasoned leaders working with coaches to think through career decisions, leadership challenges, and big transitions. Some people swear by it. Others think it’s a professional development grift.

In this episode, we unpack what coaching actually is, when it can be helpful, and when it might not be worth the investment.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What executive coaching actually looks like in practice
  • Why coaching has become more common in complex and virtual workplaces
  • How to tell if coaching is helping—or just validating bad ideas
  • Red flags that someone hired the wrong coach

Some key takeaways are:

  • Coaching works best when leaders are open to reflection and change—not just validation.
  • In fast-moving and distributed workplaces, coaching can create rare space for clear thinking and perspective.
  • Working with a culturally competent coach can broaden your aperture, helping you consider how identity, power, and context shape leadership decisions.
  • Coaching can support leadership growth, but it cannot fix structural problems inside organizations.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> So now we’re paying for advice? The truth about Executive Coaching Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll 00:34:14 Today we’re talking about executive coaching. So, is it me, or is everyone suddenly offering expert advice about your career? Coaching used to be something mostly reserved for CEOs navigating big decisions, but now you see everyone from new managers to senior leaders working with coaches. Today we’re talking about executive coaching. So, is it me, or is everyone suddenly offering expert advice about your career? Coaching used to be something mostly reserved for CEOs navigating big decisions, but now you see everyone from new managers to senior leaders working with coaches. inclusion, career advice, coaching, women at work, executive coaching, workplace culture false full 19 1a0740b2-500d-45b0-8c9b-c3a59dae4554 How Banter Builds Culture Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! We're talking about banter - you know, shooting the breeze with your coworkers. Those “water cooler” moments build company culture and boost productivity. Yet, the expectations around social interactions can make some professionals feel left out or excluded.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The benefits of social interaction and banter
  • How employees from diverse backgrounds have various degrees of connections with their coworkers

Some key takeaways are:

  • There are watchout for “water cooler” chats and how professionals are expected to engage. If your lived experience is not normalized, it can be difficult to engage and find connections with coworkers. 

Resources (links):

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/how-banter-builds-culture-Yzfms557 Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! We're talking about banter - you know, shooting the breeze with your coworkers. Those “water cooler” moments build company culture and boost productivity. Yet, the expectations around social interactions can make some professionals feel left out or excluded.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The benefits of social interaction and banter
  • How employees from diverse backgrounds have various degrees of connections with their coworkers

Some key takeaways are:

  • There are watchout for “water cooler” chats and how professionals are expected to engage. If your lived experience is not normalized, it can be difficult to engage and find connections with coworkers. 

Resources (links):

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> How Banter Builds Culture Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme 00:35:18 Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! We're talking about banter - you know, shooting the breeze with your coworkers. Those “water cooler” moments build company culture and boost productivity. Yet, the expectations around social interactions can make some professionals feel left out or excluded. Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! We're talking about banter - you know, shooting the breeze with your coworkers. Those “water cooler” moments build company culture and boost productivity. Yet, the expectations around social interactions can make some professionals feel left out or excluded. gen z professionals, inclusion, belonging, diversity, water cooler moments, workplace culture false full 18 70e49b0e-7568-46c9-ae37-04d785cd566e Is that Racist or Nah? Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into racism at work, specifically for Black professionals. Many Black professionals have had interactions at work that hurt or just feel icky. After the experience, we are left asking ourselves “Was that racist or nah?”

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The subtle ways racism and anti-Blackness shows up at work
  • The interactions that feels racists at work
  • The ways Black employees can respond to racists or uncomfortable interactions at work

Some key takeaways are:

  • Dr. Jean’s SNAPS (strategically navigating anti-black in professional spaces) decision-making model provides practical skills for navigating and responding to anti-Blackness.
  • Black employees should always prioritize self in responding to racist interactions at work.

Resources (links):

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/is-that-racist-or-nah-GQmB6oMm Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into racism at work, specifically for Black professionals. Many Black professionals have had interactions at work that hurt or just feel icky. After the experience, we are left asking ourselves “Was that racist or nah?”

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The subtle ways racism and anti-Blackness shows up at work
  • The interactions that feels racists at work
  • The ways Black employees can respond to racists or uncomfortable interactions at work

Some key takeaways are:

  • Dr. Jean’s SNAPS (strategically navigating anti-black in professional spaces) decision-making model provides practical skills for navigating and responding to anti-Blackness.
  • Black employees should always prioritize self in responding to racist interactions at work.

Resources (links):

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Is that Racist or Nah? Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll 00:38:52 Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into racism at work, specifically for Black professionals. Many Black professionals have had interactions at work that hurt or just feel icky. After the experience, we are left asking ourselves “Was that racist or nah?” Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into racism at work, specifically for Black professionals. Many Black professionals have had interactions at work that hurt or just feel icky. After the experience, we are left asking ourselves “Was that racist or nah?” diversity equity inclusion, black at work, racism at work, workplace culture false full 17 0c0054f0-5a69-4488-83aa-8b04a66a2da2 Paying Dues: Struggle Is Not a Requirement Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with Karen and Anee. We're talking about success — and the story we’re often told about how it’s earned. That success requires struggle. That you have to “pay your dues” to deserve it. But is that actually true? Have we collectively accepted the idea that success can’t exist without hardship?

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The adage of “paying dues” which often means enduring a toxic environment and a lack of transparency and inclusion. Paying dues often leads to burnout and high turnover.
  • How Millennials and Gen Z professionals are pushing back on the outdated mindset of “paying dues”.

Some key takeaways are:

  • Challenges and suffering are different. Challenges are about development while suffering erodes your personhood and well-being.
  • Growth and development does not require exploitation. You can be intentional and explicit about learning and growth opportunities, without being unethical.

Resources (links):

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/struggle-is-not-a-requirement-WI5TaFkm Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with Karen and Anee. We're talking about success — and the story we’re often told about how it’s earned. That success requires struggle. That you have to “pay your dues” to deserve it. But is that actually true? Have we collectively accepted the idea that success can’t exist without hardship?

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The adage of “paying dues” which often means enduring a toxic environment and a lack of transparency and inclusion. Paying dues often leads to burnout and high turnover.
  • How Millennials and Gen Z professionals are pushing back on the outdated mindset of “paying dues”.

Some key takeaways are:

  • Challenges and suffering are different. Challenges are about development while suffering erodes your personhood and well-being.
  • Growth and development does not require exploitation. You can be intentional and explicit about learning and growth opportunities, without being unethical.

Resources (links):

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Paying Dues: Struggle Is Not a Requirement Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme 00:40:26 We're talking about success — and the story we’re often told about how it’s earned. That success requires struggle. That you have to “pay your dues” to deserve it. But is that actually true? Have we collectively accepted the idea that success can’t exist without hardship? We're talking about success — and the story we’re often told about how it’s earned. That success requires struggle. That you have to “pay your dues” to deserve it. But is that actually true? Have we collectively accepted the idea that success can’t exist without hardship? inclusion, career, diversity equity inclusion, career advice, women at work, workplace culture, suffering at work, paying dues false full 16 7da35e7c-db44-4513-ad72-26908ea88aa9 Hire me, Please! Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into today’s job market and the best strategies to land your next gig. We are joined by executive recruiter, Rory Verrett. 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The job marker as we know it has changed. The Trump Administration with the help of DOGE gutted many federal agencies. The government shutdown furloughed many employees, and other sectors are facing shrinking budgets and increased tariffs. Not to mention, AI is threatening to “replace” human workers.
  • Black women have been impacted disproportionately by layoffs with more than 300,000 Black women out of the workforce.

Some key takeaways are:

  • Your worth isn’t defined by any organization, role, or title. Your worth is determined by the purpose you create.
  • The career algorithm can help professionals define their values and strengths to be used in a variety of capacities.

Reaching Rory Verrett:

Resources (links):

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 3 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Rory Verrett, Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/hire-me-please-VMzK1_qy Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into today’s job market and the best strategies to land your next gig. We are joined by executive recruiter, Rory Verrett. 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The job marker as we know it has changed. The Trump Administration with the help of DOGE gutted many federal agencies. The government shutdown furloughed many employees, and other sectors are facing shrinking budgets and increased tariffs. Not to mention, AI is threatening to “replace” human workers.
  • Black women have been impacted disproportionately by layoffs with more than 300,000 Black women out of the workforce.

Some key takeaways are:

  • Your worth isn’t defined by any organization, role, or title. Your worth is determined by the purpose you create.
  • The career algorithm can help professionals define their values and strengths to be used in a variety of capacities.

Reaching Rory Verrett:

Resources (links):

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Hire me, Please! Rory Verrett, Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll 00:42:24 We discuss the job market and the best strategies to land your next gig. We are joined by Rory Verrett, executive recruiter, author of The Promegrante Principle, and guru of all things Lisbon, Portugal! We discuss the job market and the best strategies to land your next gig. We are joined by Rory Verrett, executive recruiter, author of The Promegrante Principle, and guru of all things Lisbon, Portugal! black women, executive recruiter, career, diversity equity inclusion, career advice, job search, women at work, workplace culture false full 15 964d6cb6-ac93-4ade-bfd0-7a3e08b04720 I Don’t Wanna Leave, But I Gotta Go — The Truth About Quitting Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with Karen and Anee. Today, we’re diving into the complicated reality of quitting — and staying — in today’s workplace.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • How workplace loyalty has shifted — the median tenure is now just 3.9 years (BLS 2024)
  • Why 75 % of workers plan to stay put through 2027 (Forbes 2025)
  • What “quiet quitting” really means (Gallup 2024)
  • How social media shapes career expectations (Frontiers in Psychology 2021; LinkedIn 2023)
  • What quitting well looks like — even in a tough economy

Some key takeaways are:

  • The average employee tenure is now under four years (BLS 2024) — not because people are disloyal, but because the relationship between workers and employers has changed.
  • Job hugging and quiet quitting aren’t laziness; they’re survival strategies in an unpredictable economy.
  • Social media has made work feel public and comparative — it’s easy to question your path when everyone else seems to be “living their dream.”
  • Quitting well starts with honesty — about what you need, what you can give, and what you’re no longer willing to trade for stability.

Resources:

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), Employee Tenure Summary
  • Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report (2024)
  • Forbes (Oct 2025), “Job Hugging: 75 % of Workers Staying Put Through 2027”
  • Fortune (Aug 2025), “Why Workers Feel Stuck”
  • Schmuck et al. (2021), Frontiers in Psychology, “Social Comparison on Social Media Increases Career Ambitions and Dissatisfaction”
  • LinkedIn Workforce Confidence Index (2023)

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/i-dont-wanna-leave-but-i-gotta-go-the-truth-about-quitting-VsK8AQ5i Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with Karen and Anee. Today, we’re diving into the complicated reality of quitting — and staying — in today’s workplace.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • How workplace loyalty has shifted — the median tenure is now just 3.9 years (BLS 2024)
  • Why 75 % of workers plan to stay put through 2027 (Forbes 2025)
  • What “quiet quitting” really means (Gallup 2024)
  • How social media shapes career expectations (Frontiers in Psychology 2021; LinkedIn 2023)
  • What quitting well looks like — even in a tough economy

Some key takeaways are:

  • The average employee tenure is now under four years (BLS 2024) — not because people are disloyal, but because the relationship between workers and employers has changed.
  • Job hugging and quiet quitting aren’t laziness; they’re survival strategies in an unpredictable economy.
  • Social media has made work feel public and comparative — it’s easy to question your path when everyone else seems to be “living their dream.”
  • Quitting well starts with honesty — about what you need, what you can give, and what you’re no longer willing to trade for stability.

Resources:

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), Employee Tenure Summary
  • Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report (2024)
  • Forbes (Oct 2025), “Job Hugging: 75 % of Workers Staying Put Through 2027”
  • Fortune (Aug 2025), “Why Workers Feel Stuck”
  • Schmuck et al. (2021), Frontiers in Psychology, “Social Comparison on Social Media Increases Career Ambitions and Dissatisfaction”
  • LinkedIn Workforce Confidence Index (2023)

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> I Don’t Wanna Leave, But I Gotta Go — The Truth About Quitting Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll 00:40:36 We're talking about quitting — and how complicated that word can feel. Whether we’re in an economic boom or in a season of shrinking budgets across sectors, transitions can feel tough and deeply personal. Some folks don’t get to quit — the decision was made for them. Others are hanging on in survival mode, trying to make peace with staying put. And then there are those quietly asking themselves, “Is it time to go?” We are going to talk about when to quit, how to quit, and why so many of us struggle to leave. We're talking about quitting — and how complicated that word can feel. Whether we’re in an economic boom or in a season of shrinking budgets across sectors, transitions can feel tough and deeply personal. Some folks don’t get to quit — the decision was made for them. Others are hanging on in survival mode, trying to make peace with staying put. And then there are those quietly asking themselves, “Is it time to go?” We are going to talk about when to quit, how to quit, and why so many of us struggle to leave. quietly quitting, quitting, labor force, job hugging, diversity equity inclusion, women at work, employment, workplace culture false full 14 fed29a47-849d-4b40-9c4b-d95691a59e1a Respectfully… I Don’t Understand: When Corporate Jargon Goes Too Far Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee. Today, we’re talking about the language of work — and how “professional speak” has become its own dialect. You know the one: “Let’s align,” “I’m at capacity,” “Let’s take this offline.”

In this episode, we unpack how trendy corporate buzzwords have quietly replaced clear communication — and why that matters. From email urgency bias to garbage language, we look at what all this jargon says about the culture of work, and how we can sound smarter by keeping things simple.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Why businesses lose over $1 trillion a year to poor communication
  • The rise of “email urgency bias” and what it’s doing to our brains
  • How “corporatese” shapes power, clarity, and belonging at work
  • The evolution of buzzwords — from “buy-in” to “alignment”
  • What true professionalism sounds like in 2025

Key Takeaways:

  • The clearest message is usually the most powerful one.
  • Jargon doesn’t build credibility—clarity does.
  • If you want to sound smart, say it simply.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/respectfully-i-dont-understand-when-corporate-jargon-goes-too-far-UAiN5vRY Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee. Today, we’re talking about the language of work — and how “professional speak” has become its own dialect. You know the one: “Let’s align,” “I’m at capacity,” “Let’s take this offline.”

In this episode, we unpack how trendy corporate buzzwords have quietly replaced clear communication — and why that matters. From email urgency bias to garbage language, we look at what all this jargon says about the culture of work, and how we can sound smarter by keeping things simple.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Why businesses lose over $1 trillion a year to poor communication
  • The rise of “email urgency bias” and what it’s doing to our brains
  • How “corporatese” shapes power, clarity, and belonging at work
  • The evolution of buzzwords — from “buy-in” to “alignment”
  • What true professionalism sounds like in 2025

Key Takeaways:

  • The clearest message is usually the most powerful one.
  • Jargon doesn’t build credibility—clarity does.
  • If you want to sound smart, say it simply.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

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]]> Respectfully… I Don’t Understand: When Corporate Jargon Goes Too Far Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll 00:34:07 Today, we’re talking about how “professional speak” has turned into its own language. You all know what we're talking about — “Let’s align,” “I’m at capacity,” “Let’s unpack this offline.” Is it professional or smart — or have we traded clarity for "corporatese"? While the business buzzwords sound sharp – do any of us really know what they mean? Today, we’re talking about how “professional speak” has turned into its own language. You all know what we're talking about — “Let’s align,” “I’m at capacity,” “Let’s unpack this offline.” Is it professional or smart — or have we traded clarity for "corporatese"? While the business buzzwords sound sharp – do any of us really know what they mean? professional development, communications, inclusion, diversity equity inclusion, slang, professionalism, corporate jargon, workplace culture false full 13 62c71977-b194-4027-9516-18e2d8b5b5a3 Is Work-Life Balance Real? Or a Dream Deferred? Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into the idea of work-life balance. We unpack what aspects of work culture support or prevent work-life balance.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The negative impacts of America’s “always-on” work culture
  • How employers can support well-being through flexible work hours, more vacation days, and better benefits.

Some key takeaways are:

  • Work-life balance is not one size fits all.
  • Work-life balance is not given to you. You must reclaim it.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 8 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/is-work-life-balance-real-or-a-dream-deferred-bkJ3RrtS Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into the idea of work-life balance. We unpack what aspects of work culture support or prevent work-life balance.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The negative impacts of America’s “always-on” work culture
  • How employers can support well-being through flexible work hours, more vacation days, and better benefits.

Some key takeaways are:

  • Work-life balance is not one size fits all.
  • Work-life balance is not given to you. You must reclaim it.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Is Work-Life Balance Real? Or a Dream Deferred? Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll 00:41:58 Today, we are discussing the “always-on” mentality that permeates many cultures at work. We assess whether “work-life” balance is real or a dream deferred. Today, we are discussing the “always-on” mentality that permeates many cultures at work. We assess whether “work-life” balance is real or a dream deferred. self-care, inclusion, diversity equity inclusion, work life balance, wellbeing, workplace culture false full 12 7fe5a580-4c76-419b-ab4f-3819c9fe1049 That's a Wrap! On Season 1 In this episode of Don’t Do That!, we’re reflecting on our first season of the podcast. We are joined by Jael Henry, podcast producer. 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The most memorable episodes and what resonated as co-hosts and producer.
  • The most surprising moments and what we learned about podcasting!

Some key takeaways are:

  • Start the thing and find the people to take it from ok to great!

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Jael Henry, Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/thats-a-wrap-on-season-1-Cy_Z6EX_ In this episode of Don’t Do That!, we’re reflecting on our first season of the podcast. We are joined by Jael Henry, podcast producer. 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The most memorable episodes and what resonated as co-hosts and producer.
  • The most surprising moments and what we learned about podcasting!

Some key takeaways are:

  • Start the thing and find the people to take it from ok to great!

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> That's a Wrap! On Season 1 Jael Henry, Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme 00:23:09 Today, we wrap up Season 1. Anee and Karen are joined by their producer, Jael Henry, to discuss their most memorable moments during the first season of Don't Do That! Today, we wrap up Season 1. Anee and Karen are joined by their producer, Jael Henry, to discuss their most memorable moments during the first season of Don't Do That! wrap up, reflection, belonging, diversity, community, equity, workplace culture false full 11 678f6543-07f4-43ab-a7f9-3042fa23b5a6 It's Giving Boss! What's Your Leadership Style? Today, we’re getting personal. We’re talking about our leadership styles. We dive into the experiences that have influenced our approach to leadership, including characteristics we want to model or avoid. 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Tips to develop your personal leadership style
  • The life experiences that shape our leadership style and how we want to keep growing

Some key takeaways are:

  • Leadership styles start from within, not outside yourself.
  • Due to bias, women can be perceived as less smart when they are warm and less approachable when they are competent.
  • Cultivate your leadership style now. Don’t wait for a specific title or role.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 2 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/its-giving-boss-whats-your-leadership-style-DlOXSMrB Today, we’re getting personal. We’re talking about our leadership styles. We dive into the experiences that have influenced our approach to leadership, including characteristics we want to model or avoid. 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Tips to develop your personal leadership style
  • The life experiences that shape our leadership style and how we want to keep growing

Some key takeaways are:

  • Leadership styles start from within, not outside yourself.
  • Due to bias, women can be perceived as less smart when they are warm and less approachable when they are competent.
  • Cultivate your leadership style now. Don’t wait for a specific title or role.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> It's Giving Boss! What's Your Leadership Style? Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll 00:42:58 In this episode, we discuss leadership style. Like personal style, our leadership style is the unique flare we bring to the workplace. We should develop our leadership styles throughout our careers instead of waiting for a specific title. Anee and Karen share their leadership style and who or what influenced them along the way. In this episode, we discuss leadership style. Like personal style, our leadership style is the unique flare we bring to the workplace. We should develop our leadership styles throughout our careers instead of waiting for a specific title. Anee and Karen share their leadership style and who or what influenced them along the way. black women, leadership style, diversity equity inclusion, leadership, women at work false full 10 bea22a5b-d050-47db-ab35-793c29f31c9b Post That? Or Don't Do That! In this episode of Don’t Do That!, we talk about the intersection of social media and the workplace. From personal brand-building to blurry boundaries, we explore how professionals can use their online presence to amplify their work—without crossing the line.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • How Arnold Ford, an educator and vice principal at a school in Philadelphia, uses his platform as a timeline cleanse to share joy
  • How professionals can decide what to post and what to keep IRL (in real life)

Some key takeaways are:

  • Engaging with social media is not without its risks. Professionals should think about their responsibility online.
  • Social media platforms give everyone a brand. Professionals should be choiceful in creating a brand that represents them well.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Arnold Ford, Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/post-that-or-dont-do-that-UF179tS7 In this episode of Don’t Do That!, we talk about the intersection of social media and the workplace. From personal brand-building to blurry boundaries, we explore how professionals can use their online presence to amplify their work—without crossing the line.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • How Arnold Ford, an educator and vice principal at a school in Philadelphia, uses his platform as a timeline cleanse to share joy
  • How professionals can decide what to post and what to keep IRL (in real life)

Some key takeaways are:

  • Engaging with social media is not without its risks. Professionals should think about their responsibility online.
  • Social media platforms give everyone a brand. Professionals should be choiceful in creating a brand that represents them well.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Post That? Or Don't Do That! Arnold Ford, Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme 00:52:46 In this episode, we discuss the blurry line between social media and the workplace. As professionals continue to think about the balance between professional brand-building and oversharing, we want to unpack the ways you should (and should not) use social platforms. In this episode, we discuss the blurry line between social media and the workplace. As professionals continue to think about the balance between professional brand-building and oversharing, we want to unpack the ways you should (and should not) use social platforms. joy, social media culture, inclusion, social media, diversity equity inclusion, community, education, workplace culture false full 9 ddbac930-b5a4-4943-be9b-13e27d6530ea Heal Workplace Trauma with Reflection and Action This time, we’re unpacking the traumatic experiences we have at work and how to heal. Workplace trauma negatively impacts our mental, emotion, and physical wellbeing. These negative experiences erode our sense of self, shatter our professional confidence, and perpetuate narratives of exclusion.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The emotional and physical impacts of belonging uncertainty
  • How Melissa Goldner is redefining wellness through her company Malu Journey

Some key takeaways are:

  • Healing requires reflection and action.
  • We spend 90,000 hours at work in our lifetime and we should maximize that time by going to workplaces where we feel we belong.
  • You can own your healing and Malu Journey can help.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 28 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Melissa Goldner, Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/heal-workplace-trauma-with-reflection-and-action-1uls5oO2 This time, we’re unpacking the traumatic experiences we have at work and how to heal. Workplace trauma negatively impacts our mental, emotion, and physical wellbeing. These negative experiences erode our sense of self, shatter our professional confidence, and perpetuate narratives of exclusion.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The emotional and physical impacts of belonging uncertainty
  • How Melissa Goldner is redefining wellness through her company Malu Journey

Some key takeaways are:

  • Healing requires reflection and action.
  • We spend 90,000 hours at work in our lifetime and we should maximize that time by going to workplaces where we feel we belong.
  • You can own your healing and Malu Journey can help.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Heal Workplace Trauma with Reflection and Action Melissa Goldner, Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme 00:40:31 We discuss identity and workplace trauma. Many of us have overcome experiences at work that left us feeling invisible, unheard, and small. Today, we are joined by Melissa Goldner, founder and CEO of Malu Journey, a woman-owned transformation company redefining wellness at home and in the workplace. Disclaimer: Today’s topic may be triggering from some. Use your discretion when listening. We discuss identity and workplace trauma. Many of us have overcome experiences at work that left us feeling invisible, unheard, and small. Today, we are joined by Melissa Goldner, founder and CEO of Malu Journey, a woman-owned transformation company redefining wellness at home and in the workplace. Disclaimer: Today’s topic may be triggering from some. Use your discretion when listening. inclusion, belonging, workplace healing, identity, resilience, workplace trauma, women at work, workplace culture false full 8 ad142290-0e5c-4bae-a057-70a13a1a182a Performative or Purposeful? Rethinking Workplace Heritage Celebrations This time, we’re unpacking cultural heritage months—those calendar moments like Black History Month, Pride, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (and so many more). Should we still be celebrating these at work? When done right, they can create belonging, visibility, and accountability. When done wrong, they can feel hollow, obligatory, or even harmful.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The history and intention behind heritage months—and how they’ve evolved
  • Why people still celebrate them, especially in the workplace
  • The pros (and pitfalls) of heritage month programming
  • How to know if your organization is showing up authentically—or just doing damage control
  • What great looks like: examples that uplift, educate, and connect

Some key takeaways are:

  • Heritage months aren’t the problem. It’s all about execution.
  • These months should be mirrors and windows: mirrors for employees to feel seen, and windows into your org’s values.
  • Don’t celebrate culture once a year. Bake it into your values, policies, and everyday decisions.
  • Let your team lead, but give them real support—visibility, budget, buy-in.
  • Do it with intention. Skip the checklist energy and aim for impact

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Mon, 12 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/performative-or-purposeful-rethinking-workplace-heritage-celebrations-hpKqhzhS This time, we’re unpacking cultural heritage months—those calendar moments like Black History Month, Pride, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (and so many more). Should we still be celebrating these at work? When done right, they can create belonging, visibility, and accountability. When done wrong, they can feel hollow, obligatory, or even harmful.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The history and intention behind heritage months—and how they’ve evolved
  • Why people still celebrate them, especially in the workplace
  • The pros (and pitfalls) of heritage month programming
  • How to know if your organization is showing up authentically—or just doing damage control
  • What great looks like: examples that uplift, educate, and connect

Some key takeaways are:

  • Heritage months aren’t the problem. It’s all about execution.
  • These months should be mirrors and windows: mirrors for employees to feel seen, and windows into your org’s values.
  • Don’t celebrate culture once a year. Bake it into your values, policies, and everyday decisions.
  • Let your team lead, but give them real support—visibility, budget, buy-in.
  • Do it with intention. Skip the checklist energy and aim for impact

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Performative or Purposeful? Rethinking Workplace Heritage Celebrations Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll 00:37:37 We’re unpacking cultural heritage months—those calendar moments like Black History Month, Pride, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (and so many more). Should we still be celebrating these at work? When done right, they can create belonging, visibility, and accountability. When done wrong, they can feel hollow, obligatory, or even harmful. We’re unpacking cultural heritage months—those calendar moments like Black History Month, Pride, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (and so many more). Should we still be celebrating these at work? When done right, they can create belonging, visibility, and accountability. When done wrong, they can feel hollow, obligatory, or even harmful. inclusion, juneteenth, diversity equity inclusion, diversity, cultural heritage month, black history month, lunar new year, workplace culture false full 7 50589675-fc9a-46fc-989c-ced8410fedc8 Fix Your Feedback: The Power of Shifting Conversations Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into the power of feedback—why it matters, how bias shows up in performance conversations, and what we can do to make feedback more actionable, fair, and growth-oriented.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What feedback really is—and why actionable feedback is the game changer
  • How bias, power, and culture shape the feedback people of color and women receive
  • Common pitfalls in giving feedback across differences
  • Practical ways to reframe feedback for impact and inclusion

Some key takeaways are:

  • Feedback should be clear, specific, and actionable—not vague opinions
  • The best feedback focuses on performance, not personality
  • Bias plays a role in who gets high-quality feedback (and who doesn’t)
  • Employees can advocate for better feedback by asking the right questions

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/fix-your-feedback-the-power-of-shifting-conversations-YFh41x32 Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into the power of feedback—why it matters, how bias shows up in performance conversations, and what we can do to make feedback more actionable, fair, and growth-oriented.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What feedback really is—and why actionable feedback is the game changer
  • How bias, power, and culture shape the feedback people of color and women receive
  • Common pitfalls in giving feedback across differences
  • Practical ways to reframe feedback for impact and inclusion

Some key takeaways are:

  • Feedback should be clear, specific, and actionable—not vague opinions
  • The best feedback focuses on performance, not personality
  • Bias plays a role in who gets high-quality feedback (and who doesn’t)
  • Employees can advocate for better feedback by asking the right questions

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Fix Your Feedback: The Power of Shifting Conversations Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme 00:39:27 Today, we discuss feedback in the workplace and the shifting power of conversations. Feedback is one of the most important tools we have for growth—both personally and professionally. The right feedback can help level the playing field, push back against biases in performance evaluations, and open up real opportunities for career advancement. Today, we discuss feedback in the workplace and the shifting power of conversations. Feedback is one of the most important tools we have for growth—both personally and professionally. The right feedback can help level the playing field, push back against biases in performance evaluations, and open up real opportunities for career advancement. performance, inclusion, feedback, diversity equity inclusion, diversity, growth, women at work, equity, workplace culture false full 6 2cfc7648-69a3-443c-92fa-08ca067127de I Don't Want to Return to the Office Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into return-to-office mandates. Returning to the office full-time can seem like a good idea in theory, but these mandates can negatively impact employee well-being and satisfaction. 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The pros and cons of returning to the office full-time
  • How employees relationship to work changed after the pandemic
  • What organizations can do to make returning to the office easier

Some key takeaways are:

  • Offer flex time to allow employees to meet the unexpected demands of their life
  • Redesign the office to be accessible for seen and unseen disabilities
  • Expand benefits to accommodate the increased costs in food, transportation, and family care

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 9 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/i-dont-want-to-return-to-the-office-ihv6b_Xk Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into return-to-office mandates. Returning to the office full-time can seem like a good idea in theory, but these mandates can negatively impact employee well-being and satisfaction. 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The pros and cons of returning to the office full-time
  • How employees relationship to work changed after the pandemic
  • What organizations can do to make returning to the office easier

Some key takeaways are:

  • Offer flex time to allow employees to meet the unexpected demands of their life
  • Redesign the office to be accessible for seen and unseen disabilities
  • Expand benefits to accommodate the increased costs in food, transportation, and family care

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> I Don't Want to Return to the Office Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme 00:28:57 Today, Karen and Anee discuss return-to-office mandates. Returning to the office full-time can seem like a good idea in theory, but these mandates can negatively impact employee well-being and satisfaction. We dive into the pros and cons of going back to the office full-time. Today, Karen and Anee discuss return-to-office mandates. Returning to the office full-time can seem like a good idea in theory, but these mandates can negatively impact employee well-being and satisfaction. We dive into the pros and cons of going back to the office full-time. return to work, inclusion, return to office, diversity equity inclusion, diversity, office, office mandates, equity, workplace culture false full 5 98963313-334b-4118-9c85-5e882240119b Community Will Save Us Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we discuss how to lean on community in hard times and dissect when solidarity matters most. We are joined by Whitney Tome, consultant, lawyer, and ballerina.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The definition of solidarity
  • How to be a community member and care for each other

Some key takeaways are:

  • Solidarity does not happen overnight. We need space to evolve how we think about and engage with different communities
  • Indigenous communities value everyone as a relative and  teach us respect and civility for all
  • Solidarity is neither friendship nor comfortable.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/community-will-save-us-OxkMh7dH Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we discuss how to lean on community in hard times and dissect when solidarity matters most. We are joined by Whitney Tome, consultant, lawyer, and ballerina.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The definition of solidarity
  • How to be a community member and care for each other

Some key takeaways are:

  • Solidarity does not happen overnight. We need space to evolve how we think about and engage with different communities
  • Indigenous communities value everyone as a relative and  teach us respect and civility for all
  • Solidarity is neither friendship nor comfortable.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

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]]> Community Will Save Us Anee Korme, Karen Driscoll 00:45:10 We discuss how to lean on community in hard times and dissect when solidarity matters most. Historically, progress in the United States has been achieved through coalitions and demonstrations of solidarity across race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. However, showing up for communities that are not your own can be easier said than done. We discuss how to lean on community in hard times and dissect when solidarity matters most. Historically, progress in the United States has been achieved through coalitions and demonstrations of solidarity across race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. However, showing up for communities that are not your own can be easier said than done. inclusion, solidarity, diversity equity inclusion, diversity, community, women at work, equity, workplace culture false full 4 96493c03-13b8-4ad8-8a80-84d9fdfeeb92 We've Always Done It This Way Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into workplace traditions—those established customs, norms, rituals, and habits that define an organization’s culture. When done well, they can boost morale, strengthen team cohesion, and enhance job satisfaction. But when done poorly, they can leave employees feeling excluded, pressured, or uncomfortable.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The role of workplace traditions in shaping company culture
  • How dominant cultural norms and power dynamics influence workplace rituals
  • The risks of exclusionary traditions and how to create inclusive experiences
  • Real-world cases, including a French employee’s legal battle over workplace social events
  • The hidden power of workplace rituals and how they impact psychological safety and retention
  • Practical advice on assessing and evolving your workplace traditions to ensure they work for everyone

Some key takeaways are:

  • Don’t assume all workplace rituals work for everyone – conduct an audit to understand employee experiences.
  • Be intentional about refreshing traditions – cultures and teams evolve, so should traditions.
  • Use traditions as a lever for engagement – when done well, they can drive a sense of belonging and performance.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Karen Driscoll) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/weve-always-done-it-this-way-DGGtfopQ Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into workplace traditions—those established customs, norms, rituals, and habits that define an organization’s culture. When done well, they can boost morale, strengthen team cohesion, and enhance job satisfaction. But when done poorly, they can leave employees feeling excluded, pressured, or uncomfortable.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The role of workplace traditions in shaping company culture
  • How dominant cultural norms and power dynamics influence workplace rituals
  • The risks of exclusionary traditions and how to create inclusive experiences
  • Real-world cases, including a French employee’s legal battle over workplace social events
  • The hidden power of workplace rituals and how they impact psychological safety and retention
  • Practical advice on assessing and evolving your workplace traditions to ensure they work for everyone

Some key takeaways are:

  • Don’t assume all workplace rituals work for everyone – conduct an audit to understand employee experiences.
  • Be intentional about refreshing traditions – cultures and teams evolve, so should traditions.
  • Use traditions as a lever for engagement – when done well, they can drive a sense of belonging and performance.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn

🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.

⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.

📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> We've Always Done It This Way Karen Driscoll 00:27:51 We are talking about the established customs, norms, rituals, and habits that are unique to a particular organization or company. These traditions often reflect the culture and values of the workplace and can significantly influence employee morale, cohesion, and overall job satisfaction. We are talking about the established customs, norms, rituals, and habits that are unique to a particular organization or company. These traditions often reflect the culture and values of the workplace and can significantly influence employee morale, cohesion, and overall job satisfaction. inclusion, diversity, women at work, workplace culture false full 3 c75cf981-8bf4-4b6d-bd81-a57bcc0b1962 DEI By Any Other Name... Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into the language of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and why DEI can make some individuals uncomfortable. 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The latest headlines highlighting which companies are pulling back on diversity, equity, and inclusion and which companies are doubling down on their DEI commitments.
  • How organizations are changing their language from diversity, equity, and inclusion to access, opportunity, and access.

Some key takeaways are:

  •  Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not bad words and language should not be changed in response to backlash or opposition.
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion are key to lifting marginalized communities and leveling the playing field.
  • Be sincere and authentic in your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If your values do not compel you to this work, do not pretend.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:15:00 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/dei-by-any-other-name-mGwaQzCr Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re diving into the language of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and why DEI can make some individuals uncomfortable. 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The latest headlines highlighting which companies are pulling back on diversity, equity, and inclusion and which companies are doubling down on their DEI commitments.
  • How organizations are changing their language from diversity, equity, and inclusion to access, opportunity, and access.

Some key takeaways are:

  •  Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not bad words and language should not be changed in response to backlash or opposition.
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion are key to lifting marginalized communities and leveling the playing field.
  • Be sincere and authentic in your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If your values do not compel you to this work, do not pretend.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> DEI By Any Other Name... Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme 00:34:18 Today on Don’t Do That!, we are discussing the language of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, what makes (some) folks uncomfortable, and how we can move past semantics towards action. Today on Don’t Do That!, we are discussing the language of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, what makes (some) folks uncomfortable, and how we can move past semantics towards action. inclusion, diversity equity inclusion, diversity, women at work, equity, workplace culture false full 2 a8c5651e-6982-45b1-b027-0857909715a0 Allow Us to Introduce Ourselves Welcome to Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re introducing the podcast and sharing what you can expect when you listen. Don’t Do That! is a platform to tell stories about making mistakes at work and how to fix them. Each episode will feature honest conversations with leaders who have experienced a Don’t Do That! moment. We’ll explore what happened and how to turn a negative experience into a positive.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • How we met as colleagues and became friends
  • Why we wanted to start a platform to talk about workplace issues from our experience as equity practitioners
  • And play a fun game of “Do That” or “Don’t Do That” to get to know us as hosts better

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Sun, 23 Feb 2025 20:53:27 +0000 thedontdothatpod@gmail.com (Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme) https://dont-do-that.simplecast.com/episodes/allow-us-to-introduce-ourselves-LbbxPjKD Welcome to Don’t Do That! with your hosts Karen and Anee! Today, we’re introducing the podcast and sharing what you can expect when you listen. Don’t Do That! is a platform to tell stories about making mistakes at work and how to fix them. Each episode will feature honest conversations with leaders who have experienced a Don’t Do That! moment. We’ll explore what happened and how to turn a negative experience into a positive.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • How we met as colleagues and became friends
  • Why we wanted to start a platform to talk about workplace issues from our experience as equity practitioners
  • And play a fun game of “Do That” or “Don’t Do That” to get to know us as hosts better

If you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us: thedontdothatpod@gmail.com

❤️ Follow: Connect with us on LinkedIn.
🎙 Subscribe: Follow Don’t Do That! on your favorite podcast platform.
⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps boost the show and lets others know what to expect.
📢 Share: If you found today’s discussion insightful, pass it along to colleagues and friends!

]]> Allow Us to Introduce Ourselves Karen Driscoll, Anee Korme 00:20:21 Welcome listeners to Don’t Do That! - the podcast where we talk about what not to do at work and beyond. Today on Don’t Do That!, Karen and Anee introduce themselves and share what you can expect from the show. Welcome listeners to Don’t Do That! - the podcast where we talk about what not to do at work and beyond. Today on Don’t Do That!, Karen and Anee introduce themselves and share what you can expect from the show. inclusion, diversity equity inclusion, diversity, women at work, equity, workplace culture false full 1