Diagnosing The Workplace: Not Just An HR Podcast

Hosted by Roman 3

Business Management Education

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Episodes

112

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Join James and Coby from Roman 3 as they diagnose issues and prescribe solutions to today's most important workplace challenges.

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60 recent

August 12, 2026Episode 2653 min

How Dangerous Does Self Preservation Become at Work?

This episode touches on the themes of Strengthening Culture and Developing Leaders. In this episode, we explore the different sides and faces of self-preservation. When built as a necessity due to a lack of confidence or self-protection, it can become incredibly toxic and be the catalyst for some of our worst workplace problems. Our prescription for this episode is to build real confidence in your work and leadership. If you are looking for a place to start, we suggest learning more about our Integrity Leadership framework. Past Episode Referenced: S4 E3: How Do I Fix A Competitive Or Hostile Team Culture? S4 E14: Leadership Tips: "Yes, if", Listening/Hearing, Balancing Self-Preservation S4 E9: What Is Some Practical Psychology For The Workplace? [PART 3] Integrity Leadership Episodes: S1 E26: How Do You Effectively Lead And Manage Your Former Coworkers? S1 E29: Leading With Integrity, HR Processes, Performance Management - Answering Listener Questions S2 E23: Can I Teach Myself To Become A Better Leader? You can learn more about Integrity Leadership here: https://academy.roman3.ca/knowledge-suite/integrity-leadership/ Here is the article that was referenced about RTO: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/opinion/office-work-wfh-bosses.html About Our Hosts! James is an experienced business coach with a specialization in HR management and talent attraction and retention. Coby is a skilled educator and has an extensive background in building workforce and organizational capacity. Send us a Message! (But we can’t respond, so feel free to email us at info@roman3.ca) For a little more on our ideas and concepts, check out our Knowledge Suite or our YouTube Channel, Solutions Explained by Roman 3 .

July 29, 2026Episode 2551 min

What Other Trends Should I Pay Attention To In 2026?

This episode touches on the theme of Strengthen Culture. In this episode, we dig into some buzzwords (that will make James mad), like Resenteeism, Revenge RTO, and Conscious Unbossing, all in an effort to let James rant about how lame they are. We also explore trends and terms that are starting to shine a spotlight on hidden issues impacting our workplaces, like: FOBO (Fear of Becoming Obsolete) : A specific, sharp spike in workplace anxiety regarding AI capabilities. AI as First Mate: Organizations are relying more and more on generative AI tools and autonomous agentic AI as members of their team. The Manager Experience : Supporting middle managers is becoming a higher operational priority, as they bear the burden of translating strategy into daily hybrid and remote realities. Skills-Based Talent Pools : Companies are shifting toward skills-based architecture, allowing for better internal mobility and training rather than rigid, degree-focused job descriptions. Our prescription for this episode is to avoid renaming existing trends for clicks and likes. Also, to be realistic when it comes to the realities of AI and the vital role that managers play in our workplaces. Past Episode Referenced: S4 E10: What Trends Should I Pay Attention To In 2026? S4 E23: Why Don’t Employees Go Above And Beyond Anymore? To talk more about manager training, reach out to us at info@roman3.ca or through our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/roman3 Don't forget to sign up for our New Quarterly Newsletter that launched in the fall of 2024! About Our Hosts! James is an experienced business coach with a specialization in HR management and talent attraction and retention. Coby is a skilled educator and has an extensive background in building workforce and organizational capacity. Send us a Message! (But we can’t respond, so feel free to email us at info@roman3.ca) For a little more on our ideas and concepts, check out our Knowledge Suite or our YouTube Channel, Solutions Explained by Roman 3 .

July 15, 2026Episode 2446 min

How Can We Operationalize Our Core Values?

This episode touches on the theme of Strengthening Culture. In this episode, we explore the intersection between having a clear mission and value for our work and business strategy and decision-making. We dig into the realities of having a business that stands for something or lives up to its priorities, and what difficult decisions that can make. Our prescription for this episode is to understand that if your organization actually has core values, they cannot be strictly a PR tool; they have to be operating constraints . Past Episode Referenced: S3 E10: Initiatives For 2025, Finding Qualified Talent, Using Mission, Vision, And Values - Answering Listener Questions To talk more about improving your strategy and day-to-day operations, reach out to us at info@roman3.ca or through our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/roman3 Don't forget to sign up for our New Quarterly Newsletter that launched in the fall of 2024! About Our Hosts! James is an experienced business coach with a specialization in HR management and talent attraction and retention. Coby is a skilled educator and has an extensive background in building workforce and organizational capacity. Send us a Message! (But we can’t respond, so feel free to email us at info@roman3.ca) For a little more on our ideas and concepts, check out our Knowledge Suite or our YouTube Channel, Solutions Explained by Roman 3 .

July 1, 2026Episode 2351 min

Why Don’t Employees Go Above And Beyond Anymore?

This episode touches on the theme of Practical Psychology. In this episode, we explore the psychology behind shifts in work habits with our current workforce. We dig into Social Exchange Theory and The Psychological Contract to better understand the personal and societal factors impacting how people engage in their work. Our prescription for this episode is to better understand the factors of the workplace, things like Job Security, Employee Wellness, Compensation, and Consistency. They are the foundational elements that make up The Psychological Contract, and how we balance the Cost/Benefit of our work. Past Episode Referenced: S1 E10: What To Expect From The Labour Market In 2023? (Fragile Grip Principle) S1 E15: Is Job Dissatisfaction Really That Dangerous? S1 E21: How Do You Motivate Employees Through Meaning And Purpose? S2 E3: Why Do Companies Default To Using Policies As Weapons? S 2 E16: Employee Recognition, Culture Initiatives, Advice For New Managers - Answering Listener Questions S3 E1: Is Employee Loyalty A Thing Anymore? S4 E13: Equality Or Equity — Or Is It Special Treatment? To talk more about Job Dissatisfaction and the 7X3 Rule, reach out to us at info@roman3.ca or through our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/roman3 About Our Hosts! James is an experienced business coach with a specialization in HR management and talent attraction and retention. Coby is a skilled educator and has an extensive background in building workforce and organizational capacity. Send us a Message! (But we can’t respond, so feel free to email us at info@roman3.ca) For a little more on our ideas and concepts, check out our Knowledge Suite or our YouTube Channel, Solutions Explained by Roman 3 .

June 17, 2026Episode 2252 min

Leadership Tips: Nepotism & Favoritism, Open Door Policies, Emotions in Leadership

This episode touches on the theme of Developing Leaders. In this episode, we explore 3 (hopefully) helpful management tips to support new and experienced leaders: The Dangers of Nepotism, Favoritism, and Conflict of Interest What an Open Door Policy Should Feel Like for Staff Where do Emotions Fit into Leadership? Our prescription for this episode is to understand the impact of real psychological safety vs the harm that is create when employees do not have it or only have a counterfeit version of it. Past Episode Referenced: S2 E9: What Happens When Businesses Counterfeit Psychological Safety? S2 E26: How Damaging Is Nepotism In The Workplace? S4 E2: Leadership Tips: Friend/Friendly, Respond/React, Emotional Load S4 E13: Equality Or Equity — Or Is It Special Treatment? If you would like to learn more about getting tools for your leadership journey, you can check out our webinar on Confident Leadership on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@solutionsexplained or our Integrity Leadership article on our Knowledge Suite: https://www.academy.roman3.ca/knowledge-suite/integrity-leadership/ Let us know if leadership and management skills are something you want us to talk more about! Email us at info@roman3.ca . About Our Hosts! James is an experienced business coach with a specialization in HR management and talent attraction and retention. Coby is a skilled educator and has an extensive background in building workforce and organizational capacity. Send us a Message! (But we can’t respond, so feel free to email us at info@roman3.ca) For a little more on our ideas and concepts, check out our Knowledge Suite or our YouTube Channel, Solutions Explained by Roman 3 .

June 3, 2026Episode 2150 min

Why Does Fixing A Bad Leader Feel Impossible?

This episode touches on the theme of Strengthening Culture. In this episode, we explore the difficult reality that a lot of organizations face when the person in charge is the wrong fit for what the organization needs. We dig into the Business Law of the Linchpin and how we can sever the dependence we unintentionally create on our leaders. Our prescription for this episode is to understand the root cause of why we end up with bad leaders, and that there are solutions and steps we can take to address it. Ideally, we can do that before we end up in the situation to begin with. Past Episode Referenced: S2 E21: What Is The Technical Founder Paradox? S3 E7: Are We Sheltering Toxic Leaders? S3 E19: Are You At Risk From The Business Law Of The Linchpin? S4 E17: Is Comfort Making Us More Productive or More Complacent? To talk more about management training, reach out to us at info@roman3.ca or through our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/roman3 Don't forget to sign up for our New Quarterly Newsletter that launched in the fall of 2024! About Our Hosts! James is an experienced business coach with a specialization in HR management and talent attraction and retention. Coby is a skilled educator and has an extensive background in building workforce and organizational capacity. Send us a Message! (But we can’t respond, so feel free to email us at info@roman3.ca) For a little more on our ideas and concepts, check out our Knowledge Suite or our YouTube Channel, Solutions Explained by Roman 3 .

May 20, 2026Episode 2051 min

Why Is Change at Work So Hard—Even When It’s Positive?

This episode touches on the theme of Strengthening Culture. In this episode, we explore the impact that change has on our people and our organizations, even if it is implemented for positive reasons. Our prescription for this episode is to be aware of the psychological impact of change and transition. It can be difficult for all staff, regardless of the cause, if it is not managed with strategic intent. Past Episode Referenced: S1 E18: How Can We Improve Organizational Change? S3 E20: T rauma-Infused Workplaces, Surviving Unsupported Change, Fixing A Bad Hire - Answering Listener Questions S4 E17: Is Comfort Making Us More Productive or More Complacent? S4 E5: Why Am I So Exhausted After Work Every Day? To talk more about managing change, reach out to us at info@roman3.ca or through our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/roman3 Don't forget to sign up for our New Quarterly Newsletter that launched in the fall of 2024! About Our Hosts! James is an experienced business coach with a specialization in HR management and talent attraction and retention. Coby is a skilled educator and has an extensive background in building workforce and organizational capacity. Send us a Message! (But we can’t respond, so feel free to email us at info@roman3.ca) For a little more on our ideas and concepts, check out our Knowledge Suite or our YouTube Channel, Solutions Explained by Roman 3 .

May 13, 2026Episode 1947 min

BONUS: How Do New Leaders Learn to Trust Themselves? - PART 2

This episode touches on the theme of Practical Psychology and Developing Leaders. In this episode, we explore the operational and leadership side of self-trust. Our prescription for this episode is to find a practice or system that can help you navigate the unfamiliar waters that come with leadership. We recommend our Integrity Leadership framework, but it is important to find a method that works for you. This is PART 2 of this topic, so look for PART 1, which launched last week, where we dug into the psychology around self-trust. Past Episode Referenced: S1 E18: How Can We Improve Organizational Change? S3 E20: Trauma-Infused Workplaces, Surviving Unsupported Change, Fixing A Bad Hire - Answering Listener Questions S1 E26: How Do You Effectively Lead And Manage Your Former Coworkers? S4 E17: Is Comfort Making Us More Productive or More Complacent? S4 E5: Why Am I So Exhausted After Work Every Day? To talk more about management training, reach out to us at info@roman3.ca or through our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/roman3 Don't forget to sign up for our New Quarterly Newsletter that launched in the fall of 2024! About Our Hosts! James is an experienced business coach with a specialization in HR management and talent attraction and retention. Coby is a skilled educator and has an extensive background in building workforce and organizational capacity. Send us a Message! (But we can’t respond, so feel free to email us at info@roman3.ca) For a little more on our ideas and concepts, check out our Knowledge Suite or our YouTube Channel, Solutions Explained by Roman 3 .

May 6, 2026Episode 1845 min

How Do New Leaders Learn to Trust Themselves? - PART 1

This episode touches on the theme of Practical Psychology and Developing Leaders. In this episode, we explore the psychology behind building self-trust. We combat myths and struggles like "Fake it, till you make it" and Imposter Syndrome. Our prescription for this episode is to lean into vulnerability and curiosity. We need to create self-efficacy and confidence that even though we don't have all the answers immediately, we can figure things out. This PART 1, as we really dug into this topic, so look for PART 2 to launch May 13th (next week) at our normal time. Past Episode Referenced: S4 E11: Why Do Leaders Feel Isolated? To talk more about management training, reach out to us at info@roman3.ca or through our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/roman3 Don't forget to sign up for our New Quarterly Newsletter that launched in the fall of 2024! About Our Hosts! James is an experienced business coach with a specialization in HR management and talent attraction and retention. Coby is a skilled educator and has an extensive background in building workforce and organizational capacity. Send us a Message! (But we can’t respond, so feel free to email us at info@roman3.ca) For a little more on our ideas and concepts, check out our Knowledge Suite or our YouTube Channel, Solutions Explained by Roman 3 .

April 22, 2026Episode 1754 min

Is Comfort Making Us More Productive or More Complacent?

This episode touches on the theme of Practical Psychology and Strengthening Culture. In this episode, we explore the double-edged sword that is being comfortable. We dig into the psychology and realities of both sides of comfort in our jobs and in our organizations. Our prescription for this episode is to prioritize curiosity and critical reflection in how we approach our work and how we respond to external factors that affect our work and our organizations. Past Episode Referenced: S4 E4: Why Does It Feel Like Us vs. Them At Work? S4 E5: Why Am I So Exhausted After Work Every Day? S4 E16: Doing More With Less: How Do You Succeed During Hard Times? To talk more about building comfortable and innovative systems, reach out to us at info@roman3.ca or through our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/roman3 Don't forget to sign up for our New Quarterly Newsletter that launched in the fall of 2024! About Our Hosts! James is an experienced business coach with a specialization in HR management and talent attraction and retention. Coby is a skilled educator and has an extensive background in building workforce and organizational capacity. Send us a Message! (But we can’t respond, so feel free to email us at info@roman3.ca) For a little more on our ideas and concepts, check out our Knowledge Suite or our YouTube Channel, Solutions Explained by Roman 3 .