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Crina and Kirsten Get to Work

Crina and Kirsten Get to Work

Hosted by Crina Hoyer and Kirsten Barron

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Episodes

196

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN

About the show

We have one single mission: Help women find ease, meaning and joy at work and in life. We use our experiences as business owners, entrepreneurs, mentors and inspirational leaders to explore topics that all working women care about: shitty bosses; smashing the patriarchy; balancing work and life; navigating change and getting what you want! We guarantee that you will be entertained and inspired... promise!

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60 recent
August 7, 2026Episode 19537 min

Remote Work Or Back To The Office? The Data Is In!

f you’ve ever wondered whether your boss wants you back in the office because collaboration is magical…or because they miss having an audience…well, the latest research says the answer might be: yes. First, the uncomfortable news for Team Sweatpants. Labor economists Natalia Emanuel, Emma Harrington, and Amanda Pallais analyzed data from nearly 600,000 Americans and found that remote work appears to explain about one-third of the increase in mental distress over the last decade. Eighty-four percent of remote workers spend their workday entirely alone. More than half feel less connected to coworkers. People who live alone were hit hardest, with dramatically higher rates of isolation and even days with no in-person contact at all. It turns out that your annoying coworker who always wanted to chat by the coffee machine may have been performing a public service. But before CEOs start printing “Back to the Office!” banners, there’s another fascinating twist. A six-year Wharton study of Fortune 500 CEOs found that the strongest predictor of demanding employees return wasn’t productivity—it was narcissism. Researchers measured it with delightfully creative proxies like signature size, the size of executives’ photos in annual reports, and how much more they paid themselves than everyone else. Their conclusion? Some leaders simply thrive on commanding a room. Eye contact, booming voices, dramatic hand gestures—Zoom just isn’t the same stage. So who’s right? Probably everyone, and no one. The evidence suggests that productivity depends more on the person and the work than on the location. Some people flourish at home. Others desperately need the energy of being around humans. And while rigid return-to-office mandates don’t improve company performance, they do increase turnover—especially among women—and often send top performers looking for more flexible employers. The emerging lesson isn’t “office good” or “remote good.” It’s that connection matters. One study found that getting remote employees together just one intentional day each month increased productivity and reduced attrition. That’s a remarkably small investment for a surprisingly large payoff. Maybe the future of work isn’t about choosing between home and the office. Maybe it’s about designing moments that actually justify being together. Because if we’re asking people to commute, put on real pants, and brave rush hour, we’d better have a reason better than, “The CEO misses making an entrance.”  As a worker, consider what works for you and most importantly WHY it works for you.  As a leader, consider that workers have different needs and the work of your organization - but not your ego.

July 24, 2026Episode 19438 min

The Productivity Trap: When Doing More Costs You More

Have you ever noticed that “I’m so busy” has become less of a complaint and more of a humblebrag - or a declaration of importance? Somewhere along the way, productivity stopped being something we did and became proof of who we are. We wear exhaustion like a merit badge, answer emails at 10 p.m. like we’re saving lives, and somehow even our hobbies have become opportunities to optimize. This week we’re asking a provocative question: What if the biggest obstacle to productivity…is our obsession with being productive? There’s growing evidence that we’ve confused motion with progress. We answer emails instead of having difficult conversations. We organize our desks instead of making decisions. We check twenty small tasks off the list while avoiding the one thing that would actually move the needle. As one leadership expert put it, you can spend an entire day being productive and accomplish nothing important. And this pressure doesn’t fall equally on everyone. For many women, productivity comes with an invisible second shift. It’s mentoring the new employee, remembering birthdays, planning celebrations, smoothing over team conflict, organizing the family calendar, and making sure everyone else has what they need. None of it shows up on a productivity app, yet it consumes enormous mental bandwidth. It’s entirely possible to be incredibly productive and still feel like you’re falling behind because so much of your work is invisible. The irony? The science suggests that relentless productivity pressure actually makes us less productive. Workplace stress is associated with lower performance, poorer well-being, and more mistakes. Burnout costs organizations millions of dollars every year through absenteeism, turnover, disengagement, and lost creativity. More than half of workers report burnout, and women consistently report higher rates than men, likely because they’re balancing professional responsibilities alongside disproportionate caregiving and household work. Then there’s our “always on” culture. Every notification, Slack message, text, and email chips away at our ability to think deeply. Being available all day isn’t the same thing as doing meaningful work all day. In fact, sustained urgency narrows our thinking, while many of our best ideas arrive during walks, vacations, showers, or moments when our brains finally have room to wander. Perhaps that’s why some of the most successful organizations are rethinking the equation. Flexible work arrangements, digital quiet time, and even four-day workweeks have shown that rest isn’t the reward for productivity—it’s one of its ingredients. So maybe we’ve been asking the wrong question. Instead of “How can I get more done?” perhaps we should ask, “What deserves my attention?” Because the goal isn’t to optimize every minute of your life. It’s to build a life where the minutes that matter actually have room to happen.

July 3, 2026Episode 19329 min

Your Network Matters, But Your Weak Ties Matter More

It turns out the old saying “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is annoyingly real — but for women, the “who” part often works differently, and less efficiently, than it does for men. Referrals lead us to our next job or opportunity or experience. First - let’s consider the referral network.  The research is clear: weak ties matter. That cousin you only see at Thanksgiving, the former coworker who still owes you a coffee, the mom from preschool pickup — those loose connections are often the ones that open doors. And in the digital age, the data still holds up: a little distance in your network can be a powerful thing. Not so distant that you’re strangers, not so close that you already know the same five things — just enough connection to create a new pathway. But here’s the catch: referral networks aren’t evenly distributed. Referrals are a major route to jobs, yet women are less likely than men to benefit from them. That’s not because women aren’t asking. It’s because the system often quietly favors men, especially in male-dominated spaces, where the “obvious candidate” in someone’s mind is still too often male. Add in the old boys’ club — golf games, drinks, fishing trips, and the deals that happen in rooms women aren’t invited into — and the gap starts to look a lot less mysterious. That’s why this episode isn’t about hustling harder or becoming a LinkedIn goblin. It’s about using the generous, invisible network women already build for each other — and making it more intentional. Is there an introduction you have been meaning to make? Do it. Forward the resume. Say the name in the room. Become the weak tie to the opportunity for another woman, and then become her intentional sponsor. Because women don’t just need more advice. We need more action.

June 12, 2026Episode 19232 min

Five Go-To Lines for Better Boundaries at Work

Have you ever walked out of a conversation and thought, “Why didn’t I say that?” Welcome to Whether you’re dealing with a chronic interrupter, an endless complainer, or the colleague who appears in your doorway just as you’re trying to focus, difficult interactions can leave us feeling frustrated, drained, and replaying conversations long after they’ve ended. The truth is that when we’re under stress, our brains aren’t exactly operating at peak performance. We tend to freeze, fawn, fight, or flee. That’s why having a few simple, pre-loaded phrases can be surprisingly powerful. These aren’t clever comebacks or magical scripts that instantly solve every workplace problem. They’re practical tools that help us stay calm, clear, and intentional when the pressure is on. Crina and Kirsten share five go-to sentences that can help protect your time, redirect unproductive conversations, and create healthier boundaries at work. From the simple but effective “I’ve got ten minutes right now, and then I need to get back to this project,” to the solution-focused “I hear you’re frustrated. What’s one thing we can actually change here?” each phrase is designed to gently shift the dynamic without escalating tension. The conversation also explores how to handle interruptions with confidence, address recurring workplace behaviors without sounding accusatory, and perhaps most importantly, stop carrying work frustrations home with you. Sometimes the most valuable boundary isn’t one we communicate to someone else—it’s the one we create in our own minds when we decide that a difficult interaction doesn’t get to occupy our evening. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize that these sentences aren’t meant to be recited word-for-word. Think of them as templates. Try them on, adapt them, and make them sound like you. To Your homework is simple: choose one sentence and one person. Use it once this week and pay attention to what happens. Maybe the other person responds differently. Maybe they don’t. But chances are you’ll notice something important—you feel more grounded, more confident, and a little less at the mercy of everyone else’s behavior. And that’s a skill worth practicing.

May 29, 2026Episode 19137 min

Your Birth Year Shouldn't Matter--Ageism at Every Age

Age bias affects people across the entire career span. For women, this bias is compounded by gender, creating what researchers call “gendered ageism,” a double bind where there is effectively no “right” age to be a professional woman. Drawing on survey data from 913 women leaders across industries including law, healthcare, higher education, and nonprofits, Harvard Business Review research reveals a consistent pattern: women face age-based bias at every stage of their careers. Definitions of “young,” “middle-aged,” and “older” vary by context, but the experiences of discrimination are strikingly similar. Older women often encounter “oldism,” where they are viewed as less relevant or valuable, in contrast to men who are seen as gaining wisdom with age. Participants reported being overlooked for advancement and having their voices dismissed. Younger women face “youngism,” including being patronized, mistaken for junior staff, or not taken seriously in leadership roles. Many experience “credibility deficits,” where their expertise is questioned, forcing them to continually prove themselves. Appearance-based scrutiny is also common, with professional accomplishments overshadowed by comments on looks. Women in midlife—traditionally thought to be in a career “sweet spot”—fare no better. They are often judged based on assumptions about family responsibilities, menopause, or perceived lack of vitality. Hiring and promotion decisions frequently favor similarly aged men, reinforcing the idea that women are either “too young” or “too old,” but rarely seen as just right. Despite these challenges, research shows that age and gender diversity benefit organizations. Diverse teams perform better, especially in complex or crisis situations, while age discrimination reduces job satisfaction and engagement. The path forward does not rely solely on institutional change but also on individual action. Key strategies include examining personal assumptions about age, building intentional intergenerational relationships, advocating for age inclusion in diversity frameworks and actively supporting other women through mentorship, sponsorship, and amplification. Ultimately, the research highlights a systemic issue: age is often used as a convenient justification to undervalue women at any stage. Recognizing and challenging these patterns is essential to creating workplaces where women are seen as credible, capable, and worthy—at every age. Good Reads: Older women ‘disappear’ from BBC presenting roles, review finds | BBC | The Guardian Age, Women, and Hiring: An Experimental Study | Gender Action Portal Women in Leadership Face Ageism at Every Age The Trap Working Women Can’t Escape, No Matter Their Age

May 15, 2026Episode 19038 min

Finding Your Thing (When Nothing Feels Clear)

Congratulations, job seekers, new workers and soon-to-be-graduates—and also, buckle up - it is a bumpy ride.  That’s the vibe of early career life right now: a job market that’s technically fine (about 4% unemployment), but feels… not fine. Entry-level hiring is down, applications disappear into AI black holes, and even strong candidates are ghosted by bots. It’s less “climb the ladder” and more “wander the maze and hope someone opens a door.” Against that backdrop, two big ideas emerge—from Jodi Kantor’s framework and a companion piece on women reshaping work rules: craft and need. First, craft. Not your job title—your thing. The skill you build so well that people can’t easily replace you. You don’t start with it; you notice your way into it. Pay attention to what energizes you at 11:30 a.m. on a random Thursday. Track what you’re good at, what you enjoy, and what others naturally come to you for. Careers aren’t built in sweeping five-year plans—they’re built in small, repeated moments of doing something well. Second, need. The world’s problems are the map. The people who thrive aren’t just polishing skills in isolation; they’re aiming those skills at something that actually matters to others. It’s where usefulness meets opportunity. (And yes, that may require some risk—despite every instinct to choose the safest possible path.) So what now? Be practical and intentional. Apply broadly, because the system is weird. But also build relationships, find adjacent opportunities, and keep developing your craft in real time. The market may feel impersonal, but careers are still deeply human. Bottom line: you are not unnedded. The system is just… glitchy. Stay curious, stay persistent, and keep showing up. Good Reads: This Is a Hard Time to Start a Career. These Two Words Can Help. Why women leaders are ditching the old workplace rulebook – and winning because of it - Fast Company

May 1, 2026Episode 18938 min

Small Conversations, Big Impact: Check-ins Matter

Check-ins are where management actually happens—and in this episode checkins are given the status they deserve - at the center of performance, trust, and retention.  Drawing on research, including insights from Harvard Business Review, our Crina and Kirsten unpack a core truth: employees expect a lot from their managers—and rightly so. In a hybrid world, managers are responsible for clarity, feedback, support, and connection, often without much face-to-face time. And the single best tool to meet that moment is a regular check-in. But not all check-ins work. The good ones are not status updates in disguise. They are focused on the employee—their priorities, their obstacles, and what they need today to move forward. Done right, the employee leads. They come prepared with what’s working, what’s not, and the one or two things that actually matter next. This is real-time career development, not a box-checking exercise. We also talk about structure: agreeing on expectations, who owns the meeting, what gets discussed, and how often it happens. And yes—frequency matters. Cancelling sends a message, and it’s not a good one. Then there’s feedback. Clear, direct, and specific—the “rifle, not shotgun” approach. Avoiding honesty doesn’t build kindness; it builds confusion. Paired with active listening, though, feedback becomes a trust accelerator. When employees feel heard and supported, they’re more engaged, less stressed, and far more likely to stay. The takeaway is simple but not easy: check-ins don’t need to be perfect. But they do need to happen—and they need to mean something.

April 17, 2026Episode 18829 min

The Ambition Gap is Bullshit--And We're Not Buying It

In this episode, Crina and Kirsten take on the so-called “ambition gap”—and promptly flip it on its head. Spoiler: women aren’t less ambitious. The system just hasn’t been built to recognize, support, or reward their ambition in the same way. Drawing on research from McKinsey & Company and Boston Consulting Group, the episode starts with a myth-busting reality check: early in their careers, women’s ambition tracks almost identically to men’s -  but by the manager level, that gap widens significantly not because women lose drive, but because workplaces systematically drain it. So what’s actually happening? Crina and Kirsten unpack the structural issues behind the idea that there is an ambition gap between men and women: women are less likely to have sponsors, less likely to have career advancement conversations with managers, and more likely to carry the invisible “people management tax”—the mentoring, emotional labor, and team support work that keeps organizations running but rarely leads to promotion. Add in a lack of visible role models in leadership, and the message becomes clear: “this path might not be for you.” Over time, ambition to achieve the next level on the ladder doesn't disappear—it gets recalibrated. And here’s the twist: what looks like an “ambition gap” may be a rational decision. Before anyone starts wringing their hands about women “leaning out,” the episode pivots to something far more interesting: ambition isn’t shrinking—it’s evolving. New data shows that 86% of senior women leaders feel more ambitious than they did five years ago, and 92% are energized about what’s ahead. The difference? Women are redefining what ambition actually means. It’s less about titles and linear ladders, and more about autonomy, flexibility, impact, and multi-dimensional careers. Today’s leaders are executives and advisors, founders and board members—crafting portfolios that reflect their values and lives, not corporate scripts.   Crina and Kirsten land on a powerful reframe: the issue isn’t that women lack ambition—it’s that traditional workplaces lack imagination. When ambition is supported, visible, and aligned with real human priorities, it doesn’t fade. It expands - and that, listeners is what is happening for women who work.  Women aren’t opting out. They’re rewriting the rules.

April 3, 2026Episode 18732 min

Strategic Defiance at Work: It's Not About Being Difficult —It’s About Being Aligned

What if the most powerful leadership move isn't agreement—it's a principled "no"? Sunita Sah redefines defiance as quiet integrity: acting on your values when pressure pulls you off course. Join us as  we unpack to spot ethical tension early, navigate it with clarity, and build the courage to push back without drama. It's about alignment over rebellion—and why silence often costs more than speaking up. SHOW NOTES Tension starts it—a nagging sense something's wrong. Acknowledgment names the violated value. Escalation shares the concern calmly. Threat of Noncompliance draws your line. The Act seals it with clear action. These aren't always linear, but spotting your stage turns anxiety into strategy. Using the Defiance Compass: Ask three questions under pressure: Who am I? Anchor in your core values and legacy. What’s this situation? Weigh stakes, impact, and power plays. What would I do here? Match action to identity. This cycle keeps you intentional, dodging rash moves or spineless compliance. Build Your Defiance Muscle: Anticipate: Replay past silences—what would you change? Visualize: Rehearse the moment in your mind. Practice: Role-play phrasing with a trusted ally. Repeat: Small challenges compound into real strength. Picture greenlighting shaky marketing copy. Instead of nodding, you ask clarifying questions, flag the risk, then hold firm: "I can't sign off yet." Result? Better decisions, not chaos.

March 20, 2026Episode 18648 min

The Broken Rung Strikes Again (and Women Are Done)

This week on “Crina and Kirsten Get to Work”, we dig into the 2025 *Women in the Workplace* report—the largest study of women in corporate America, spanning 280+ companies and over 1 million employees—and ask a hard question: what happens when women stop wanting the next rung?  SHOW NOTES For over a decade, this report has tracked slow, incremental progress. Women now make up nearly 30% of the C-suite, up from 17%. But the underlying systems? Largely unchanged.   And now, a new shift: women’s ambition is declining.   What We’re Seeing (Again) Some findings won’t surprise you—but they should still frustrate you:   The “broken rung” persists: for every 100 men promoted to manager, only 93 women are—dropping to 82 for Asian women and Latinas, and just 60 for Black women.   Representation shrinks at every level: from ~48% at entry level to ~28% in the C-suite.   Microaggressions remain common: 30–40% of women report daily bias.   The double burden is real: women continue to carry more unpaid labor at home.   Flexibility helps—but comes with penalties: remote women are less likely to be promoted.   Performance systems still favor men: women are less likely to be rated “excellent.”   Most companies still aren’t doing the full set of things that actually work.   What’s New (and Concerning) This year’s report introduces a real shift:   The ambition gap is growing: women are now less likely than men to want promotions (80% vs. 86%), with sharper gaps at entry and senior levels.   Corporate commitment is slipping: only 50% of companies prioritize women’s advancement—and many are rolling back programs.   Burnout is peaking for senior women: 60% report burnout, higher than men at the same level.   Flexibility stigma is measurable: remote women are advancing less, while companies reduce hybrid options.   So… What Gives? If the system hasn’t meaningfully changed—and in some cases is backsliding—opting out starts to look less like a personal choice and more like a rational response.   What Needs to Happen   For companies and managers: Fix promotion pipelines with real data and accountability.   Invest in sponsorship (not just mentorship).   Address microaggressions in real time, not just in training decks.   Support managers so they can actually develop people.   Normalize flexibility without career penalties.   Stop quietly backing away from diversity commitments.   For individual women: Track your impact and advocate clearly for advancement.   Build networks and sponsorship relationships.   Make bold career moves—even before you feel “100% ready.”   Push for equity at home as well as at work.   The Bottom Line The issue isn’t that women lack ambition—it’s that the cost of ambition remains too high.

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