Peace at the Water Cooler

Hosted by Saranne Segal

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Latest episode

Nov 2025

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EN-AU

About the show

Saranne Segal is a conflict resolution advocate on a mission to create more harmonious workplaces. Peace at the Water Cooler is your go-to podcast for dealing with difficult people, managing toxic behaviours and how to have those tricky conversations with colleagues. With a background as a lawyer and mediator, Saranne brings decades of experience dealing with workplace conflict to each episode as she talks to experts, authors and employees.

Listen to episodes

13 recent

November 16, 2025Episode 234 min

“When Your Job Is Breaking You” with Jessica Childress

Jessica Childress, a lawyer, author, and workplace culture expert, returns to the show for a deeper look at what toxic workplaces really do to people on the inside. Not the office politics. The quiet internal damage that slowly strips away confidence, identity, and direction.We discuss real-life examples, including the subtle red flags people often ignore, the way self-doubt takes hold, and why so many capable professionals stay long after the job has started to break them. We also explore the practical tools that help you recognise when staying is doing more harm than good, and the steps people take to rebuild their sense of self once they finally leave.A grounded and honest conversation for anyone who feels worn down, stuck, or unsure whether the problem is the workplace or the voice inside their own head. If you are trying to find your way back to yourself, this episode will give you clarity, language, and direction.Thanks for listening to Peace at the Water Cooler.Conflict doesn’t fix itself, but it can shift, with the right conversation. If you’ve got a story, a question, or a workplace dilemma you'd like me to explore, connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email at (saranne@segalconflictsolutions.com.au)

July 11, 2025Episode 221 min

Dealing With Passive-Aggressive People (and Other Workplace Delights)

That smirk? That "accidental" oversight? That email CC’d to your boss for "visibility"? Yep, we’re talking about passive-aggression, and it’s everywhere.In this episode of Peace at the Water Cooler, Saranne Segal delves into one of the most maddening (yet maddeningly common) behaviours in the modern workplace: passive aggression. It’s subtle. It’s slippery. It’s usually delivered with a smile. And if you’ve ever worked with someone who says “no offence” right before deeply offending you, congrats, you’ve met Trevor. (More on him inside.)From sighs, eye-rolls and weaponised politeness to mysteriously forgotten deadlines and oh-so-polite sabotage, Saranne unpacks why passive-aggression isn’t just irritating. It’s corrosive. And if left unchecked, it can quietly unravel even the most functional of teams.Expect:Real stories from the conflict resolution trenches, including a Trevor who turned a training session into a slow-burning nightmareInsight into why passive-aggression is rarely about the task and almost always about unspoken emotionPractical, no-nonsense strategies to deal with it without losing your cool or your credibilityTips on setting boundaries, staying neutral, and not taking the bait when the sarcasm starts flyingYou’ll hear how vague sabotage got called out with clarity, how a quietly undermining colleague was confronted with calm professionalism, and why the smartest move is sometimes refusing to play the game at all.So if you're managing a team, stuck in a toxic loop, or simply trying to get through a meeting without plotting revenge over spreadsheets, this one's for you.🔈 Tune in. Laugh. Learn. And get ready to outwit the most maddeningly "polite" people in your workplace.Thanks for listening to Peace at the Water Cooler.Conflict doesn’t fix itself, but it can shift, with the right conversation. If you’ve got a story, a question, or a workplace dilemma you'd like me to explore, connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email at (saranne@segalconflictsolutions.com.au)

May 19, 2025Episode 115 min

The Good Wife Made Me Do It: How a Fictional Lawyer Helped Me Find My Real Purpose

It started with chocolate on the couch and The Good Wife on the TV. One fictional mediation scene later, I was Googling courses and rethinking my entire legal career. When a fictional lawyer sparked a very real career pivot, I had no idea it would lead me from the courtroom to the mediation room. In this season opener, I share the story behind that shift: from practising family law to becoming a full-time mediator, and the surprising moments that reshaped how I understand conflict, especially at work. There’s the team leader who wore sunglasses indoors and channelled full Jack Nicholson energy, a colleague clutching a plastic brain stress ball, and some tough conversations that never made it into any training manual. More importantly, I unpack two things I’ve learned about workplace conflict - insights that can help anyone trying to repair a fractured working relationship, rebuild trust, or move a difficult dynamic forward. This episode is for anyone navigating conflict and looking for a way through. Thanks for listening to Peace at the Water Cooler.Conflict doesn’t fix itself, but it can shift, with the right conversation. If you’ve got a story, a question, or a workplace dilemma you'd like me to explore, connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email at (saranne@segalconflictsolutions.com.au)

October 2, 202442 min

Why We Make Bad Decisions at Work: Insights from Dan Ariely

Ever wonder why people make decisions at work that just don’t make sense? On this episode of Peace at the Watercooler, I’m joined by Dan Ariely, world-renowned professor of psychology and behavioural economics and bestselling author of Predictably Irrational. Dan has spent years researching how and why we make irrational choices, and today, he’s here to share his fascinating insights. From why we stubbornly cling to our own ideas to how emotions steer our actions more than logic, Dan helps us rethink how decisions are made in the workplace. We explore how cognitive biases and seemingly small behaviours can snowball into major workplace conflicts and what we can do to overcome these pitfalls. Whether you're a leader trying to guide your team or someone just looking to understand why we act the way we do at work, this conversation is full of eye-opening revelations. Tune in and discover how to unlock better decision-making and healthier dynamics in the workplace! Thanks for listening to Peace at the Water Cooler.Conflict doesn’t fix itself, but it can shift, with the right conversation. If you’ve got a story, a question, or a workplace dilemma you'd like me to explore, connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email at (saranne@segalconflictsolutions.com.au)

January 22, 202437 min

Cultivating Workplace Harmony with Kim Scott: Lessons in Radical Candor

In this episode of "Peace at the Water Cooler," we delve into the transformative concept of "Radical Candor" with renowned author, Kim Scott. Join us as Kim shares valuable insights drawn from her experiences at Google, Apple, Qaltrics, Dropbox, and Twitter, providing practical wisdom on leadership, feedback, and fostering a healthy workplace culture.Kim not only imparts profound knowledge but also infuses humour into the conversation, sharing amusing anecdotes and humorous examples from her past experiences with colleagues, including memorable encounters with the infamous "Bob." Discover how these light-hearted moments add depth to the discussion on the delicate balance of caring personally and challenging directly.Explore the art of balancing praise and criticism through entertaining stories, drawing from Kim's personal experience at Google. Learn how specific feedback can contribute to a culture of growth.Kim gives practical insights into initiating a move towards Radical Candor,overcoming resistance, and creating an environment where feedback flows freely,accompanied by humorous anecdotes that make the conversation both engaging andrelatable.Kim also provides a sneak peek into her upcoming book, "Radical Respect," set to be released in May 2024.Finally, Kim shares actionable steps for leaders to foster an environment grounded in fundamental human decency, all while weaving in humorous examples to make the conversation lively and enjoyable.Thanks for listening to Peace at the Water Cooler.Conflict doesn’t fix itself, but it can shift, with the right conversation. If you’ve got a story, a question, or a workplace dilemma you'd like me to explore, connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email at (saranne@segalconflictsolutions.com.au)

September 26, 202317 min

Lengthy Workplace Investigations: the good, the bad & the ugly

In this episode, I chat with employment lawyer and Executive Director of Source Workplace, Sean Melbourne. Having been in the industry for over 20 years, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to our conversation. We discuss the pros and cons of lengthy workplace investigations, including the optimal timeframe, hidden costs and challenges and what workplaces can do to avoid them. This is a must-listen for anyone in HR who runs or oversees an internal workplace investigation. Thanks for listening to Peace at the Water Cooler.Conflict doesn’t fix itself, but it can shift, with the right conversation. If you’ve got a story, a question, or a workplace dilemma you'd like me to explore, connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email at (saranne@segalconflictsolutions.com.au)

August 17, 202329 min

Leaving a Toxic Workplace on Your Own Terms with Jessica Childress.

In this episode, I chat with attorney Jessica Childress, founder of a boutique employment law firm based in Washington, D.C. An advocate of civil rights, especially in the workplace, Jessica is passionate about empowering employees to know where they stand when it comes to psychological safety. We discuss her forthcoming book and e-course, “Peace: Leaving a Toxic Workplace on Your Own Terms”, the cultural differences and challenges of the legal system in the US, and our shared goal of creating more harmonious and happier work environments. Thanks for listening to Peace at the Water Cooler.Conflict doesn’t fix itself, but it can shift, with the right conversation. If you’ve got a story, a question, or a workplace dilemma you'd like me to explore, connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email at (saranne@segalconflictsolutions.com.au)

May 29, 202336 min

The Song of Significance: An Inspiring Conversation with Seth Godin on Work, Growth, and Harmonious Connections

Join us on "Peace at the Water Cooler" as we dive into an extraordinary conversation with the remarkable Seth Godin. In this episode, we explore the art of effective communication, personal development, and work-life balance.In anticipation of his new book, "The Song of Significance," Seth shares his insights on effective communication, fostering collaboration, and cultivating a harmonious work environment. Discover the secrets to navigating challenging conversations, building strong professional relationships, and fostering a culture of open dialogue.Delve into the realm of personal development as Seth reveals powerful strategies for overcoming self-doubt, embracing vulnerability, and finding your authentic voice in the corporate world. From cultivating resilience to honing leadership skills, this conversation is a treasure trove of practical advice for achieving personal and professional growth.But our exploration doesn't end there. We also dive into the ever-evolving landscape of work-life balance, exploring innovative approaches to maintaining well-being and finding fulfilment in both professional and personal spheres. Prepare to challenge conventional notions and gain fresh insights into finding harmony in a fast-paced and demanding world.Join us for riveting anecdotes, engaging discussions, and thought-provoking revelations. "Peace at the Water Cooler" is your destination for an enlightening conversation with Seth that will leave you inspired, equipped with practical tools, and ready to foster a more harmonious and fulfilling work experience. Don't miss this opportunity to join us on this transformative journey.Thanks for listening to Peace at the Water Cooler.Conflict doesn’t fix itself, but it can shift, with the right conversation. If you’ve got a story, a question, or a workplace dilemma you'd like me to explore, connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email at (saranne@segalconflictsolutions.com.au)

February 26, 2023Episode 129 min

The Dream Team: How Diversity and Inclusion Can Boost Your Workplace

Welcome to the latest episode of "Peace at the Water Cooler"! I'm excited to chat with Sommer Nisbet, General Manager @ The Dream Collective and an expert on diversity and inclusion. Sommer joins us to share valuable insights on promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, tackling challenges faced by underrepresented groups in leadership, and measuring the impact of diversity and inclusion initiatives.We'll also discuss the crucial role of leadership in creating and maintaining an inclusive culture and a whole lot more! Sommer will offer actionable advice for building a more equitable and harmonious workplace. This is an engaging conversation you won't want to miss, packed with valuable insights for creating more equitable and harmonious workplaces for everyone.Sommer can be contacted here: https://www.thedreamcollective.com.au/ or sommer@thedreamcollective.com.au>Thanks for listening to Peace at the Water Cooler.Conflict doesn’t fix itself, but it can shift, with the right conversation. If you’ve got a story, a question, or a workplace dilemma you'd like me to explore, connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email at (saranne@segalconflictsolutions.com.au)

September 11, 2022Episode 420 min

Harassment and bullying - moving from a HR issue to a health & safety one.

In this episode, I chat with Dr Jacinta Buchbach, Head of Respect at Work in leadership development. Jacinta has personally suffered from negative and bullying behaviours in the workplace, and she brings these experiences together with her academic training to educate leaders in creating better workplaces, resilience and wellbeing.We discuss how society is at a turning point, with employers now obligated to provide psychotically safe workplaces. Yet current reporting processes are rarely person-centred and can even re-traumatise those brave enough to come forward. I also ask if male-dominated industries have higher risk factors for these behaviours.Jacinta shares her advice for organisations managing psychosocial hazards as well as what to do if you are a victim. Jacinta can be contacted on 1300 794 644, www.insafehands.net.au or www.respectatworkbydesign.com.Thanks for listening to Peace at the Water Cooler.Conflict doesn’t fix itself, but it can shift, with the right conversation. If you’ve got a story, a question, or a workplace dilemma you'd like me to explore, connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email at (saranne@segalconflictsolutions.com.au)