Moving from command-and-control to successful collaboration isn’t easy. But telling people what to do doesn’t work. Learn how to kick ass at work without losing your humanity by practicing the principles of Radical Candor. Host Amy Sandler leads...
The early internet was built on big hopes—access, openness, connection, and the belief that technology could make the world fairer. In this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim & Jason are in conversation with Steven Levy. His recent article, “I thought I knew Silicon Valley. I was wrong.”, becomes the lens through which they revisit tech’s early promise and its reality today.
They take an honest look at the optimism that shaped Silicon Valley’s early culture and how those ideals unraveled. Kim & Steven candidly share their unique perspective of how it feels to recognize the gap between what they believed and what actually happened as two people who had a front row seat.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, grounded, and honest conversation about how tech’s story was written—and rewritten—in real time, and what today’s leaders can learn from examining both intention and impact, this episode offers clarity and perspective you can apply right now.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
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Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
Kim, Jason, and Steven set the stage for a reflective look at Silicon Valley’s promise and reality.
(01:39) “I Thought I Knew Silicon Valley. I Was Wrong.”
Steven shares what led him to write the article and how his perspective shifted.
(03:38) From Idealism to Influence: When Tech’s Culture Shifted
Exploring the moment Silicon Valley’s playful, rebellious spirit hardened into something more powerful—and less accountable.
(06:30) Recalling the Internet We Hoped For
Revisiting the early optimism that shaped the web and the disillusionment that followed.
(12:27) The Claims of AI
Examining the bold promises tech leaders make about AI—and why skepticism matters.
(15:01) The Long Tail
Early optimism about the internet’s potential to democratize opportunity.
(16:56) Enshittification & The Age of Extraction
Cory Doctorow’s framework, antitrust debates, and how market consolidation reshaped the online ecosystem.
(20:05) Do a CEO’s Values Matter?
A look at how leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos have evolved—and what that means for their companies.
(24:37) What to Do When You Don’t Align With Your Company
Reflecting on how to stay true to your values when the culture around you shifts.
(29:36) Looking Back with Clearer Eyes
Kim reckons with past choices, blind spots, and what accountability looks like now.
(32:29) What Corrupted Silicon Valley
When too much money and power are concentrated in too few hands.
(33:56) Conclusion
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How do you fix what’s not working without losing trust in the process? On this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim and Amy talk with beloved Harvard Business professor Frances Frei and her wife, CEO and bestselling author Anne Morriss, about why speed and care aren’t opposites — and how the right sequence of actions can help you go faster and strengthen relationships along the way.
Anne and Frances break down the five-day framework behind their book Move Fast and Fix Things, share real stories from coaching leaders and teams, and explain why so many of us misdiagnose the problems we’re trying to solve. They also walk through their “trust triangle” — authenticity, logic, and empathy — and reveal how understanding your own “wobbles” can help you communicate more clearly, lead with confidence, and create momentum without leaving people behind.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
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Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:49) The Why & Origins of Move Fast and Fix Things
Frances and Anne explain how speed and care can work together.
(05:03) Monday: Start by Diagnosing the Right Problem
Why so many leaders fix the wrong thing—and how to avoid it.
(07:38) The Velvet Coffin
The Dangers of moving too slowly
(12:55) How to Solve the Right Problem
Approaches to use to get to the true problem
(15:49) Coaching Effectively
A real world story of getting to & solving the correct problem.
(19:09) The Trust Triangle: Logic, Empathy, Authenticity
How trust wobbles show up and what to do about them.
(30:55) Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
The remaining steps in the framework
(32:09) Dealing with Bosses
How to speak truth to power using the trust triangle and scripts
(38:30) Scooby Snacks
Examples of positive feedback
(42:44) Conclusion
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Difficult conversations don’t get easier by avoiding them—but they can get better when you prepare for them by getting curious. On this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim talks with Jeff Wetzler, author of ASK, about how staying curious helps us understand what others are really thinking and feeling.
Jeff walks us through the curiosity curve and explains how to move into greater curiosity to reduce misunderstandings, deepen trust, and make space for more honest, helpful conversations—at work and at home.
If you’ve ever faced a moment where you weren’t sure how to start, what to say, or how someone might react, this episode offers simple tools to help you connect with care and communicate with greater clarity.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com
Episode Links:
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Chapters:
(00:00) Preparing for High Stakes Conversations
Jeff and Kim chat about why curiosity is essential for high stakes conversations
(03:17) The Curiosity Arc
Jeff introduces the sections of the Arc
(12:34) The Curiosity Check
Checking in to see where you are and where you want to be
(18:16) How to Move Along the Arc
Jeff explains head, heart, and hand-based ways to move along the Arc
(27:06) Letting Go
The importance of exhaling and letting go of the agenda in leadership
(31:34) Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Kim & Jeff discuss the use of DBT
(32:43) Checking Someone Else’s Curiosity Level
Jeff explains how to help others get curious
(37:56) Curiosity and Candor
Kim explores why curiosity is essential to candor
(41:54) Conclusion
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When it comes to making a real difference, being remarkable isn’t about fame or titles—it’s about how you show up for others and yourself. Kim and Amy are joined by Guy Kawasaki—chief evangelist at Canva, bestselling author, and host of the Remarkable People podcast—to talk about what it really means to be remarkable. Guy shares stories from his book Think Remarkable and reflects on how growth, grit, and grace can help us create meaningful work and stronger relationships. From learning to embrace imposter syndrome, to saying “yes” when opportunity knocks, to finding joy in unexpected places (like surfing and parenting), Guy offers practical guidance for anyone who wants to make a difference. Tune in and discover how to bring more meaning—and more remarkable moments—into your life.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com
Episode Links:
Kim Scott: The Power of Radical Respect and Candor | YouTube
Beyond 'Sorry': How to Apologize and Mean It 6 | 22 | Radical Candor
Connect:
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Amy and Kim introduce Guy Kawasaki, chief evangelist, author and host of the Remarkable People podcast.
(00:03:02) Power of Saying Yes
Guy discusses his “say yes" philosophy and its impact on his career.
(00:06:54) What It Means to Be Remarkable
What it means to be remarkable and how everyone can make a difference.
(00:09:26) Being Remarkable with Jane Goodall
The story of Jane Goodall writing his foreword and being on the podcast.
(00:16:04) Growth Mindset & The Right Environment
How the right environment is crucial for fostering a growth mindset.
(00:20:59) Passion, Interests & Ikigai
The value of exploration and interests over forced passion.
(00:24:05) Get Interested in Your People
Lessons from taking up kids’ interests and parallels to leadership.
(00:29:43) Dealing with Stereotypes
Personal experiences and learning to respond with humor or candor.
(00:37:40) Bridging Viewpoints
Understanding opposing perspectives by asking how instead of why.
(00:42:02) Grace, Grit, & Growth
Connecting with Stacey Abrams and her alignment with Guy’s book.
(00:47:07) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Advice on recognizing and overcoming imposter syndrome.
(00:53:45) Making Decisions Right
Focus on making decisions right, not making the right decisions.
(00:55:52) Lessons in Motivation
A story about mistaken identity and unexpected sources of motivation.
(01:00:40) Conclusion
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How do you stay true to your values when the pressure’s on? On this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim and Jason talk with Robert Glazer, author of The Compass Within, about what it really means to live and lead by your core values.
Robert shares how storytelling helps bring his framework for discovering and defining core values to life. Together, they explore how understanding what truly drives you can strengthen trust, simplify tough decisions, and help you authentically lead with care and conviction — even when it’s uncomfortable.
If you’ve ever wondered how to find your direction, make confident choices, and lead without losing yourself, this conversation is your compass.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com
Episode Links:
Connect:
Chapters:
(00:00) A New Chapter for Radical Candor
Jason shares an update on the podcast’s new twice-a-month format
(00:48) Meet Robert Glazer
Kim and Jason introduce Robert, his book The Compass Within, and the idea of values as a leadership compass.
(03:09) Why Values Matter
Why defining your personal values is essential for authentic leadership and decision-making.
(07:45) The Inverse Test
How frustration and discomfort can reveal your true core values.
(13:26) From Trust to Reliability
Kim and Robert explore how words like “trust” and “integrity” mean different things—and why clarity matters.
(21:30) The Six Questions Framework
Robert shares his practical process for identifying and validating your core values.
(27:22) The Cost of Integrity
Kim reflects on a time when staying true to her values came at a cost—and why it was worth it.
(41:20) Living Your Values
Robert reveals his own core values and how they connect to Radical Candor’s idea of “respectful authenticity.”
(49:12) Closing Reflections
How knowing your compass—your values—can help you lead with clarity, care, and conviction.
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Great films aren’t just about talent — they’re built on trust, clarity, and the kind of feedback that helps people grow. Kim and Amy talk with producer Adam Richman (Gran Torino, The Burial,) about Double Nickel's new film, Grow, and how Radical Candor can actually fuel creativity.
Adam shares why flattening hierarchies strengthens collaboration, how constraints spark innovation, and why gratitude creates teams that thrive. He also reflects on the joy of making Grow, a family film full of heart, hope, and giant pumpkins — coming to theaters October 17th.
If you want to create cultures where feedback is welcomed, relationships matter, and creativity flourishes, this conversation offers the inspiration to get started.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Connect:
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Amy introduce Adam Richman, producer of Gran Torino, The Burial, and Grow.
(00:03:07) Radical Candor in Creative Work
How caring personally and challenging directly helps creative teams thrive.
(00:08:34) Why Constraints Fuel Innovation
Adam shares how budget limits on Grow sparked better ideas.
(00:14:09) Flattening Hierarchies in Hollywood
Breaking down status walls on set to build stronger collaboration.
(00:20:21) Mentorship & Leading with Kindness
The role of mentorship and kindness in sustaining creative careers.
(00:24:10) Cultivating a Culture with Intention
Creating clarity and trust, and appreciation at every stage of production.
(00:28:44) The Film-Making Process
Adam explains the process of making Grow
(00:34:15) Feedback & Collaboration
How Radical Candor guides tough conversations and creative decisions.
(00:39:13) The Importance of Setting the Table
Lessons from Post-Production
(00:44:51) The Joy of Grow
Why this family film, out October 17th, is filled with hope and heart.
(00:48:48) Music & Joyful Storytelling
The story behind KT Tunstall’s theme song for Grow.
(00:52:15) Conclusion
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Chasing efficiency by flattening your organization can sound appealing, but true innovation and collaboration often thrive in a different kind of structure. Kim and Jason discuss how a thoughtful hierarchy — built on trust, clarity, and collaboration — helps teams do their best work. Drawing on lessons from Google, Apple, and Khan Academy, they share how empowered managers, clear decision-making, and open communication can transform the way organizations function. They also offer practical strategies for creating a collaboration hierarchy that supports managers, strengthens relationships, and gives great ideas the space to flourish. If you’re ready to build a culture where teams feel trusted, connected, and inspired, this conversation provides the helpful guidance you need to make it happen.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Connect:
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Jason introduce why “flat” organizations aren’t always as efficient as they seem.
(00:01:56) The Myth of Flat Organizations
Why fewer layers don’t automatically lead to better efficiency.
(00:04:03) Why Companies Flatten
Collaboration hierarchies versus command-and-control structures.
(00:08:02) Reality of Managerial Capacity
How having manageable spans of control can foster innovation.
(00:12:44) Collaborative Hierarchies
Examples of how thoughtful hierarchy supports entrepreneurship.
(00:18:48) Decision-Making & Trust
Building employee trust through transparent decision-making.
(00:22:01) Avoiding Silent Failures
The hidden risks when managers are overloaded and politics take over.
(00:26:45) Democratizing Communication
How open communication and collaboration beat rigid hierarchies.
(00:29:31) Fixing Managerial Overload
Practical strategies to maintain efficiency without burning out managers.
(00:36:34) Radical Candor Tips
Actionable tips to keep communication open and teams thriving.
(00:38:02) Conclusion
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When a company’s values don’t match its actions, the impact can be devastating. Kim and Amy speak with investigative journalist Gardiner Harris about his book, No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson. Harris uncovers how a company once seen as the gold standard of integrity used its famous “Credo” to build emotional trust while covering up harmful practices—from baby powder linked to cancer to its role in the opioid crisis. The conversation goes beyond one company, raising bigger questions about accountability, transparency, and the systems meant to keep us safe. It’s a candid look at how misplaced trust can cause lasting damage—and what it really takes to create a culture where honesty and responsibility come first.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
The Weekly | A Secret Opioid Memo That Could Have Slowed an Epidemic | The New York Times
A Devastating New Exposé of Johnson & Johnson Indicts an Entire System | The New Republic
The Johnson & Johnson Cancer Drug Scandal That Encapsulates Corruption In Health Care | STAT News
J&J Is Back On The Legal Warpath After Striking Out In Baby Powder Bankruptcy | Reuters
The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth
Physician Payments Sunshine Act (also known as the Open Payments program)
Connect:
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Amy introduce Gardiner Harris, investigative journalist and author.
(00:01:01) No More Tears
Why Gardiner’s book hasn't been widely covered by the media.
(00:07:35) Hidden Dangers of Products
Overview of Johnson & Johnson’s vast range of dangerous products.
(00:15:13) Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes
How antipsychotics were pushed to sedate elderly patients.
(00:16:58) Opioids & Corporate Responsibility
The role Johnson & Johnson played in the opioid epidemic.
(00:24:04) The Power of Branding & Emotional Trust
The exploitation of emotional branding to avoid accountability.
(00:27:28) Incentives, Conflicts, & Complicity
How financial incentives corrupted doctors, researchers, and hospitals
(00:39:12) Breaking Points & Speaking Up
Stories about the individuals affected by Johnson & Johnson.
(00:47:27) The Cult of the Credo
How J&J weaponized its corporate credo to silence whistleblowers.
(00:52:19) How J&J Got Away With It
The ways J&J avoided accountability and hid decades of misconduct.
(00:57:36) Tylenol, Safety, & the Illusion of Trust
The FDA’s inability—or unwillingness—to enforce safety despite evidence.
(01:03:29) Hope, Oversight & Individual Action
How individual action and awareness can drive systemic change.
(01:08:10) Conclusion
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Endless meetings can be exhausting — but what if they could actually be productive and meaningful? Kim and Amy talk with Dr. Steven Rogelberg, author of Glad We Met and The Surprising Science of Meetings, about how to run effective meetings and make every minute count — especially during one-on-one meetings. Steven shares research-backed tips for running better meetings, from framing agendas as questions to setting clear meeting norms that invite everyone’s voice. He explains why one-on-one meetings are the most important conversations managers can have, how they build trust, strengthen relationships, and boost team performance, and why they should never be replaced by an email. If you’re ready to spend less time in unproductive meetings and more time having conversations that count, this episode offers helpful guidance on meeting best practices, better collaboration, and creating space for real connection.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
We Asked a Meeting Scientist How to Make Meetings Better — Here's What He Said
Effective 1:1s - Tips For One-on-One Meetings With Your Team | Radical Candor
3 Tips For How To Run Effective Staff Meetings | Radical Candor
Glad we Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings — Steven Rogelberg, Ph.D.
The Surprising Science of Meetings — Steven Rogelberg, Ph.D.
Meet Like A Boss — The 411 On 1:1s | Radical Candor Podcast S2, Ep. 9
Connect:
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Amy introduce guest Dr. Steven Rogelberg, organizational psychologist and an expert on meetings.
(00:03:51) The Impact of Meetings
The global volume of meetings and the underestimated economic impact.
(00:06:33) Optimizing Meetings
Misconceptions about meetings and advice on improving their effectiveness.
(00:09:39) Framing Agendas as Questions
How to ensure that the meeting agenda questions are valuable.
(00:12:01) Soliciting Feedback in Meetings
Whether feedback should be solicited at the end of meetings.
(00:14:24) Power of Silent Brainstorming
Advice on encouraging team members to speak up in meetings.
(00:17:51) Value of One-on-Ones
Research that highlights the desire for more one-on-one meetings.
(00:20:49) Building Relationships in One-on-Ones
The importance of building relationships in one-on-one meetings.
(00:25:54) One-on-One Best Practices
Tips on starting, structuring, and scheduling one-on-one meetings.
(00:28:21) Trust Through Signals
How the location and questions of a one-on-one send powerful signals.
(00:33:15) Scheduling for Success
Optimizing schedules by spacing out one-on-ones and time blocking.
(00:37:22) The Direct Report’s Role
How direct reports can prepare for meetings with their managers.
(00:41:48) Conclusion
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We’ve all been there—that heart-sinking moment when you realize you’ve messed up at work. Kim, Jason, and Amy discuss how to recover from a big mistake without letting self-blame take over. Inspired by a Reddit post about a project that fell months behind, they share lessons from their own experiences, practical ways to take responsibility, and how to follow through with a recovery plan that actually works. You’ll learn why asking for support is a strength, not a weakness, and how managers can identify trouble early, check in effectively, and foster a culture where it’s safe to speak up before problems escalate. Whether you’ve missed a deadline, dropped the ball, or just want to be ready if things go sideways, this episode will help you rebuild trust and turn a setback into an opportunity for growth.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Barings Bank: Its Collapse, Acquisition, and Lessons Learned | Investopedia
I Fell Behind At Work And Fucked Up: How Do I Move Forward? | Reddit
Resources For Feedback Training, Coaching & Development | Radical Candor
How Delivering Bad News Early Strengthens Your Relationships at Work | Radical Candor
6 Steps for Setting Measurable Goals to Avoid "Productivity Paranoia" | Radical Candor
The Bob Story, a Tale of Ruinous Empathy | Radical Candor Podcast 4 | 1
Connect:
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim, Jason, and Amy introduce a Redditor’s dilemma about falling months behind on a project.
(00:02:59) When Big Mistakes Happen
Stories of mistakes and why they feel so personal.
(00:04:05) From Lost to Regained Credibility
Why credibility is already damaged—and how to earn it back.
(00:06:20) Getting Away With Mistakes
How getting away with a risky choice makes it tempting to repeat.
(00:08:32) Procrastination or Denial?
Recognizing the difference and the risk to your reputation.
(00:12:31) Acknowledging the Mistake
Why the first step to regaining credibility is admitting the error.
(00:15:34) Kim’s Story of Denial
A personal startup experience, health struggles, and hard truths.
(00:20:29) Accountability Without Punishment
Why admitting mistakes doesn’t mean beating yourself up.
(00:21:40) The Manager’s Role
How leaders can spot issues early and make bad news safe to share.
(00:26:34) Escaping the “Death March”
Breaking the cycle of repeated missed deadlines.
(00:29:45) Preventing Crisis With Goal Tracking
How visibility helps identify delays before they become disasters.
(00:33:09) A Plan to Rebuild Trust
Steps for repairing credibility with your boss and peers.
(00:36:11) Cognitive vs. Affective Trust
The two sides of workplace trust and how to restore them.
(00:38:04) Radical Candor Tips
Advice for self-forgiveness, peer support, and managing accountability.
(00:41:37) Conclusion
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Startup founders have a lot on their plates—but one of the most important things they can’t afford to neglect is how they build and lead their early team. Kim talks with executive coach and author Julia Austin about one of the most overlooked—but most important—skills for founders: setting clear expectations and giving helpful feedback early and often. Drawing from Julia’s book After the Idea, they cover how early hires shape company culture, why feedback systems matter from day one, and how to align as a team to create realistic, shared goals. Founders, joiners, and anyone curious about startup life will find valuable advice on leading with clarity, empathy, and purpose—because building a business starts with building relationships.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Connect:
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim Scott introduces guest Julia Austin, who shares the inspiration behind her book After the Idea.
(00:02:36) Why Early Hires Matter
How the first 10–15 employees shape startup culture.
(00:04:08) Building Good Systems
The importance of healthy incentives and checks on power.
(00:06:26) Growing Without Losing Trust
The evolution of startups as they scale and the growing pains that follow.
(00:08:14) Preparing for Growth and Change
Managing team expectations as the company shifts and scales.
(00:10:39) Layering Without Losing Trust
Hiring early senior employees with transparency and respect.
(00:14:51) Expectation Setting as a Leadership Tool
Why clearly defined roles and goals are the most underused tools.
(00:17:52) Co-Creating Goals in Startups
Tips on using 30/60/90-day plans and bottoms-up goal setting.
(00:19:53) What to Do When It’s Not Working
Signs of misalignment and navigating tough conversations with care.
(00:22:14) The Value of Contrarians
Why different working styles and perspectives can be strengths.
(00:23:49) Communicating What Success Looks Like
Setting clear goals to reduce ambiguity and guide decision-making.
(00:25:44) Aligning on Growth Strategy
Why co-founders need to agree on the speed and path of scale.
(00:28:10) Building a Culture of Feedback
Small changes that create clarity, reduce fear, and invite real conversations.
(00:29:50) Working With Visionary Founders
Addressing unrealistic expectations while honoring the big picture.
(00:32:02) Staying Connected as You Scale
How founders can stay approachable and in touch as the company grows.
(00:34:55) The Power of In-Person Moments
Why off-Zoom time and shared experiences matter for team trust.
(00:36:20) Common Mistakes Founders Make
Avoiding common traps like bottlenecking, gossip loops, and unclear roles.
(00:38:55) Conclusion
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