How Work Really Works with Steve
Doing good work is important, but it is rarely enough to build the career you want.
How Work Really Works is a weekly management and career coaching podcast for professionals preparing to lead and new managers learning how to succeed. Drawing on his experience as a senior executive, adviser, and mentor, Steve explores the workplace challenges that often determine whether people move forward or get stuck.
Each episode tackles one practical issue, from communicating with senior leaders and handling difficult conversations to building credibility, influencing decisions, leading teams, and taking control of your career. Expect candid advice, real experiences, and specific actions you can put to work immediately.
Because career success is not just about working harder. It is about understanding how work really works.
I like this name because it feels approachable and creates curiosity. It also gives you room to discuss communication, leadership, workplace dynamics, organizational politics, goals, and career advancement without boxing the show into one narrow category.
Episodes
10 episodes
The Career Skills Nobody Teaches You
Technical knowledge may get you hired, but it is rarely the only thing that determines how far your career progresses.In this episode, Steve explores the important career skills that organisations depend on but seldom teach. You’ll learn...
How to Survive Office Politics Without Becoming Political
Office politics exists whether you choose to participate or not. The good news is that you can navigate it without becoming manipulative, fake or the person mysteriously copied on every email.In this episode, Steve explains how workplace...
Manager Minute: Stop Avoiding the Awkward Conversation
Avoiding a difficult conversation rarely makes the problem disappear. It usually gives it time to become a much bigger problem.In this Manager Minute, Steve explains how managers can address performance and behavior concerns early, keep ...
Managing Up Without Sucking Up
Managing up is not about flattery, agreeing with everything your boss says or suddenly developing an enthusiastic interest in their weekend golf stories.In this episode, Steve explains what managing up actually means and how to build a p...
Your First 100 Days
Starting a new role can feel like being handed a map after the journey has already begun. Everyone else seems to know how things work, while you are still trying to find the right meeting room.In this episode of How Work Really Works...
Manager Minute: How to Handle Unrealistic Career Expectations
What do you say when an employee expects a promotion they are not ready for? Steve explains how managers can support ambition while being honest about readiness, identify development gaps and create a practical path towards career advancement w...
Why Nobody Says What They Really Mean at Work
Why do people at work say “Let’s circle back” when they really mean no?In this episode, Steve explores why workplace communication becomes vague, indirect, and confusing, and how to say what you mean without sounding rude or reckless. Le...
Manager Minute: How to Manage a Difficult Employee
What should you do when an employee becomes difficult to manage? In this Manager Minute, Steve explains how to address problematic behavior, have a direct conversation, set clear expectations and give someone a fair opportunity to improve witho...
Doing Good Work Is Not Enough
Doing great work does not always lead to recognition or promotion. Steve explains how career advancement really works, why workplace visibility and professional relationships matter, and how to communicate your value without sounding like you a...
