Shows
Building a Better GeekKnow Your Worth: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Paid What You DeserveIn this episode, hosts Em and Craig explore the concept of "knowing your value" in a rapidly changing workplace where traditional values are shifting due to technology, generational differences, and political influences.
Key Discussion Points:
Multiple Hats Phenomenon: Em introduces the concept of "wearing multiple hats" - where people, particularly women, often carry multiple roles simultaneously (manager, counselor, organizer, etc.) without recognition or appropriate compensation. She emphasizes the importance of articulating these various responsibilities to make them visible.
Gender Differences in Self-Assessment: Em cites research showing the "male hubris, female humility effect," where men systematically...2025-07-0845 minBuilding a Better GeekTruth Finding: How to know what’s true in an age of hyperrealistic techIn this thought-provoking episode, hosts Em and Craig tackle the complex concept of "truth finding" in the modern digital age, exploring how technology and AI have transformed our ability to discern fact from fiction.
Key Discussion Points:
Subjective vs. Objective Truth: The hosts explore the tension between objective facts and subjective perceptions of truth. Em notes that what was once considered "fact" (like the Earth being flat) can later be disproven, highlighting how truth evolves with knowledge.
Empiricism vs. Theory: Craig identifies as an empiricist, focusing on observable outcomes rather than theoretical explanations, while Em...2025-04-1443 minBuilding a Better GeekLost Network Connections: Intergenerational Communication And The Communication ChasmOK Boomer, OK Zoomer: hosts Em and Craig look at solving the Workplace Generation Puzzle, examining how different generational experiences shape values, communication styles, and workplace expectations.
Key Discussion Points:
Four Generations in the Workforce: Em explains that for the first time, we have four generations simultaneously in the workplace (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z), each with different value systems and communication preferences, causing previously successful workplace programs to fail.
Generational Overview: The hosts provide a historical context of generations:
Silent Generation (1920s-1945): Conformist, compliant, strong work ethic
Baby Boomers (1946-1964): Adapted...2025-03-3146 minBuilding a Better GeekOvercoming Skill Issues: Are You Being Nice Or Kind?In this episode, hosts Em and Craig explore the important distinction between being "nice" versus being "kind" in workplace and personal interactions, examining how these approaches impact relationships and communication effectiveness.
Key Discussion Points:
Defining Nice vs. Kind: Em describes "nice" as bland, safer, and more palatable but potentially insincere, while "kind" involves honesty and authenticity that may sometimes be uncomfortable but ultimately serves others better.
Toxic Positivity: The hosts discuss how workplace cultures that prioritize "nice" communication can evolve into toxic positivity, where difficult but necessary conversations get shut down because they aren't "nice,"...2025-03-2438 minBuilding a Better GeekCircuit breaker: powerful ideas for neutralising bullies in the work placeIn this episode, hosts Em and Craig tackle the serious topic of workplace bullying, exploring its definition, causes, and strategies for addressing it in modern work environments.
Key Discussion Points:
Generational Workplace Dynamics: Em explains how having four generations in the workplace (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z) creates communication challenges, with each generation having different expectations about hierarchy, collaboration, and workplace behavior.
Defining Bullying: Craig shares the technical definition of bullying as "repeated and unreasonable behavior that poses a risk to health and safety," while Em emphasizes that bullying fundamentally involves power imbalances...2025-03-1740 minBuilding a Better GeekWhat makes you special? How AI is revolutionising inter-human communication.In this episode, hosts Em and Craig discuss the intersection of AI and human communication, exploring how AI is transforming the workplace while emphasising the enduring value of human connection.
Key Discussion Points:
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: Craig frames AI not as true intelligence but as "engineered collaboration at scale" that helps distill knowledge from across the internet. He suggests AI works best as a "first draft fairy" that helps overcome creative blocks.
Practical Applications: Craig shares examples of using AI tools like Claude to prepare interview questions and simplify complex technical...2025-03-1042 minBuilding a Better GeekAmazing facts you didn't know about tech and diversity: Crash test dummiesIn this season opener, hosts Em and Craig explore gender dynamics in tech, focusing on women's unique challenges with imposter syndrome, funding disparities, and opportunities in an evolving industry that increasingly needs diverse perspectives.
Gender Differences in the Workplace: They explore how women often need to feel 94% qualified before applying for jobs, while men apply at around 60%. Em notes that imposter syndrome is more prevalent among women, while men tend to experience more shame after failure.
Femtech Industry: They discuss the growing field of women's health technology, highlighting how the period-tracking app Flow (founded by two brothers) recently a...2025-03-0343 minBuilding a Better GeekHow to Say No: Boundary Setting for the People-Pleasing Techie - THE FIREWALLIn this episode we discussed the importance of setting boundaries and effective time management, particularly for people working in the tech industry and introverts.
- Establishing personal values, priorities, and understanding the difference between organisational and individual goals is crucial.
- Boundaries are not about building walls or saying "no," but rather about creating psychological safety and empowering others to express their needs.
- The episode highlights the challenges of dealing with "toxic" people who lack empathy, and provides strategies for navigating such situations:
- Avoiding engagement, maintaining a paper trail, and se...2024-04-2247 minBuilding a Better GeekArtificial Intelligence for Leaders, Creatives and Philosophers - THE SAD ROBOTIn this episode we discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically large language models, on various aspects of human life. We explore the impact on leaders and creatives, delving into the potential benefits and challenges of AI. Here are the key points:
• AI's rapid advancement and democratisation raise concerns about privacy, security, and accountability.
• Large language models can be trained on vast amounts of data, potentially including personal information without consent.
• Explainability and transparency are crucial for AI models used in high-stakes decision-making, such as loan approvals.
• Guardrails and fine-tuning can be applied to AI mo...2024-02-261h 00Building a Better GeekCommunication Hacks for Leadership, Sales, and Video Calls - USER INTERFACESIn this episode of BABG we dive in to communication and connection, including how to maximise impact on video calls.
Communication and connection are critical for leadership, influencing others, and achieving goals. The ability to communicate effectively starts with listening and builds rapport.
Focus communication on creating meaningful connections, not just transactions. Build in opportunities for relationship building.
In video calls, position camera at eye level, look into camera to make "eye contact". Use names, be aware of verbal and physical cues.
Project confidence through body language and breathing. Take up space, sit/stand tall, breathe deeply.
Apply 30...2024-02-1253 minBuilding a Better GeekDitch the Nerves: Proven Hacks for Confidently Presenting in Tech - CONTENT DELIVERYIn this episode of BABG podcast, we discuss public speaking.
- Hear how Emmanuella finds public speaking more terrifying than singing, despite being an introvert and Craig being more extroverted.
- Understand why effective communication occurs only when the other person receives and understands your message.
- Craig shares a story about accidentally making a witty joke while presenting early in his career, which gave him a positive association with public speaking.
- Preparation is key - Craig suggests rehearsing the first 2-5 minutes thoroughly. What did Arnold Schwarzenegger do?!
...2024-02-0553 minBuilding a Better GeekSimple Hacks to boost Your Health and Wellness for 2024 - TIN HUGGERSIn this episode of the "Building a Better Geek" podcast we focused on the importance of health and fitness. Craig and Emmanuella argue that physical wellbeing supports overall wellbeing and brain function.
- You'll hear how exercise improves memory and reduces anxiety/depression by increasing synaptogenesis (the formation of new synapses between neurons in the brain).
- We discuss the importance of having a clear vision and reason for improving fitness.
- Learn about soleus push ups (calf raises) and their benefits.
- Emmanuella references the benefits of walking after eating...2024-01-2946 minBuilding a Better GeekUnleashing Your Inner Calm. Strategies for Handling Amygdala Hijacks - FATAL SYSTEM ERRORIn this episode of "Building a Better Geek", Craig and Emmanuella share personal stories of Amygdala Hijacks, what they are, and how to manage them:
- The amygdala is the part of the brain that perceives threats and triggers the "fight, flight, freeze, or fawn" response quickly without context.
- Amygdala hijack is when the amygdala reacts strongly, overriding logic and reason.
- Craig shares a story of yelling a profanity when a lift door closed too soon, and the dressing down that followed. Emmanuella shares story of an audience member fainting during a...2024-01-2258 minBuilding a Better GeekHow to recover from burnout - SYSTEM MAINTENANCEIn this episode of "Building a Better Geek" Emmanuella and Craig discuss how to avoid - and recover from - burnout.
Key points:
- Burnout is characterised by exhaustion, cynicism, and feelings of inefficacy.
- Men may have more difficulty articulating emotions and can use the "SEW" technique - describing Sensations, Emotions, and stating What they Want/need.
- It's important to connect with your emotions and body sensations to understand when you are heading towards burnout.
- Rehearsing/practicing at lower intensity leaves room for elevated performance during eve...2024-01-1556 minBuilding a Better GeekHow to prepare for a winning job Interview in tech - USER NEEDSIn the first episode of "Building a Better Geek" Emmanuella and Craig discuss preparing for and doing well in job interviews, particularly in tech roles. They discuss common mistakes and things that annoy them in interviews from both the interviewer's and interviewee's perspective.
Key points:
- Don't just "be yourself" in an interview, prepare thoroughly. Have practiced responses ready for difficult questions. Present your best professional self.
- Make sure you understand the company culture and tailor how you present accordingly. Research the company beforehand.
- See the interview as a two-way conversation to as...2024-01-0654 min