Are Flat Organizations More Efficient? Kim and Jason Weigh In 7 | 37
Chasing efficiency by flattening your organization can sound appealing, but true innovation and collaboration often thrive in a different kind of structure. Kim and Jason discuss how a thoughtful hierarchy — built on trust, clarity, and collaboration — helps teams do their best work. Drawing on lessons from Google, Apple, and Khan Academy, they share how empowered managers, clear decision-making, and open communication can transform the way organizations function. They also offer practical strategies for creating a collaboration hierarchy that supports managers, strengthens relationships, and gives great ideas the space to flourish. If you’re ready to build a culture where teams feel trusted, connected, and inspired, this conversation provides the helpful guidance you need to make it happen.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Middle Managers: Dinosaurs or Essential Glue? 7 | 4
Get Shit Done Step 4 — Push Decisions Into the Facts 4 | 10
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Jason introduce why “flat” organizations aren’t always as efficient as they seem.
(00:01:56) The Myth of Flat Organizations
Why fewer layers don’t automatically lead to better efficiency.
(00:04:03) Why Companies Flatten
Collaboration hierarchies versus command-and-control structures.
(00:08:02) Reality of Managerial Capacity
How having manageable spans of control can foster innovation.
(00:12:44) Collaborative Hierarchies
Examples of how thoughtful hierarchy supports entrepreneurship.
(00:18:48) Decision-Making & Trust
Building employee trust through transparent decision-making.
(00:22:01) Avoiding Silent Failures
The hidden risks when managers are overloaded and politics take over.
(00:26:45) Democratizing Communication
How open communication and collaboration beat rigid hierarchies.
(00:29:31) Fixing Managerial Overload
Practical strategies to maintain efficiency without burning out managers.
(00:36:34) Radical Candor Tips
Actionable tips to keep communication open and teams thriving.
(00:38:02) Conclusion
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41:57
The Cult of The Credo: How a Beloved Brand Betrayed Your Trust 7 | 36
When a company’s values don’t match its actions, the impact can be devastating. Kim and Amy speak with investigative journalist Gardiner Harris about his book, No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson. Harris uncovers how a company once seen as the gold standard of integrity used its famous “Credo” to build emotional trust while covering up harmful practices—from baby powder linked to cancer to its role in the opioid crisis. The conversation goes beyond one company, raising bigger questions about accountability, transparency, and the systems meant to keep us safe. It’s a candid look at how misplaced trust can cause lasting damage—and what it really takes to create a culture where honesty and responsibility come first.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Gardiner Harris
No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson
The Weekly | A Secret Opioid Memo That Could Have Slowed an Epidemic | The New York Times
A Devastating New Exposé of Johnson & Johnson Indicts an Entire System | The New Republic
The Johnson & Johnson Cancer Drug Scandal That Encapsulates Corruption In Health Care | STAT News
J&J Is Back On The Legal Warpath After Striking Out In Baby Powder Bankruptcy | Reuters
Antipsychotic Drugs and Nursing Home Residents: What Do the Different Numbers Mean? | Center for Medicare Advocacy
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth
Physician Payments Sunshine Act (also known as the Open Payments program)
Watch Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders | Netflix
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Amy introduce Gardiner Harris, investigative journalist and author.
(00:01:01) No More Tears
Why Gardiner’s book hasn't been widely covered by the media.
(00:07:35) Hidden Dangers of Products
Overview of Johnson & Johnson’s vast range of dangerous products.
(00:15:13) Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes
How antipsychotics were pushed to sedate elderly patients.
(00:16:58) Opioids & Corporate Responsibility
The role Johnson & Johnson played in the opioid epidemic.
(00:24:04) The Power of Branding & Emotional Trust
The exploitation of emotional branding to avoid accountability.
(00:27:28) Incentives, Conflicts, & Complicity
How financial incentives corrupted doctors, researchers, and hospitals
(00:39:12) Breaking Points & Speaking Up
Stories about the individuals affected by Johnson & Johnson.
(00:47:27) The Cult of the Credo
How J&J weaponized its corporate credo to silence whistleblowers.
(00:52:19) How J&J Got Away With It
The ways J&J avoided accountability and hid decades of misconduct.
(00:57:36) Tylenol, Safety, & the Illusion of Trust
The FDA’s inability—or unwillingness—to enforce safety despite evidence.
(01:03:29) Hope, Oversight & Individual Action
How individual action and awareness can drive systemic change.
(01:08:10) Conclusion
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1:08:31
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1:08:31
The Billion-Dollar Cost of Bad Meetings 7 | 35
Endless meetings can be exhausting — but what if they could actually be productive and meaningful? Kim and Amy talk with Dr. Steven Rogelberg, author of Glad We Met and The Surprising Science of Meetings, about how to run effective meetings and make every minute count — especially during one-on-one meetings. Steven shares research-backed tips for running better meetings, from framing agendas as questions to setting clear meeting norms that invite everyone’s voice. He explains why one-on-one meetings are the most important conversations managers can have, how they build trust, strengthen relationships, and boost team performance, and why they should never be replaced by an email. If you’re ready to spend less time in unproductive meetings and more time having conversations that count, this episode offers helpful guidance on meeting best practices, better collaboration, and creating space for real connection.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Steven Rogelberg
We Asked a Meeting Scientist How to Make Meetings Better — Here's What He Said
7 Ways To Improve One-on-One Meetings | Radical Candor
Effective 1:1s - Tips For One-on-One Meetings With Your Team | Radical Candor
3 Tips For How To Run Effective Staff Meetings | Radical Candor
Glad we Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings — Steven Rogelberg, Ph.D.
The Surprising Science of Meetings — Steven Rogelberg, Ph.D.
Meet Like A Boss — The 411 On 1:1s | Radical Candor Podcast S2, Ep. 9
Making Meetings Suck Less: Advice From Dr. Steven Rogelberg
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Amy introduce guest Dr. Steven Rogelberg, organizational psychologist and an expert on meetings.
(00:03:51) The Impact of Meetings
The global volume of meetings and the underestimated economic impact.
(00:06:33) Optimizing Meetings
Misconceptions about meetings and advice on improving their effectiveness.
(00:09:39) Framing Agendas as Questions
How to ensure that the meeting agenda questions are valuable.
(00:12:01) Soliciting Feedback in Meetings
Whether feedback should be solicited at the end of meetings.
(00:14:24) Power of Silent Brainstorming
Advice on encouraging team members to speak up in meetings.
(00:17:51) Value of One-on-Ones
Research that highlights the desire for more one-on-one meetings.
(00:20:49) Building Relationships in One-on-Ones
The importance of building relationships in one-on-one meetings.
(00:25:54) One-on-One Best Practices
Tips on starting, structuring, and scheduling one-on-one meetings.
(00:28:21) Trust Through Signals
How the location and questions of a one-on-one send powerful signals.
(00:33:15) Scheduling for Success
Optimizing schedules by spacing out one-on-ones and time blocking.
(00:37:22) The Direct Report’s Role
How direct reports can prepare for meetings with their managers.
(00:41:48) Conclusion
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45:20
I Messed Up at Work: How to Recover from a Major Work Blunder 7 | 34
We’ve all been there—that heart-sinking moment when you realize you’ve messed up at work. Kim, Jason, and Amy discuss how to recover from a big mistake without letting self-blame take over. Inspired by a Reddit post about a project that fell months behind, they share lessons from their own experiences, practical ways to take responsibility, and how to follow through with a recovery plan that actually works. You’ll learn why asking for support is a strength, not a weakness, and how managers can identify trouble early, check in effectively, and foster a culture where it’s safe to speak up before problems escalate. Whether you’ve missed a deadline, dropped the ball, or just want to be ready if things go sideways, this episode will help you rebuild trust and turn a setback into an opportunity for growth.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Barings Bank: Its Collapse, Acquisition, and Lessons Learned | Investopedia
I Fell Behind At Work And Fucked Up: How Do I Move Forward? | Reddit
Resources For Feedback Training, Coaching & Development | Radical Candor
How Delivering Bad News Early Strengthens Your Relationships at Work | Radical Candor
Why Procrastinators Procrastinate | Wait But Why
6 Steps for Setting Measurable Goals to Avoid "Productivity Paranoia" | Radical Candor
The Bob Story, a Tale of Ruinous Empathy | Radical Candor Podcast 4 | 1
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim, Jason, and Amy introduce a Redditor’s dilemma about falling months behind on a project.
(00:02:59) When Big Mistakes Happen
Stories of mistakes and why they feel so personal.
(00:04:05) From Lost to Regained Credibility
Why credibility is already damaged—and how to earn it back.
(00:06:20) Getting Away With Mistakes
How getting away with a risky choice makes it tempting to repeat.
(00:08:32) Procrastination or Denial?
Recognizing the difference and the risk to your reputation.
(00:12:31) Acknowledging the Mistake
Why the first step to regaining credibility is admitting the error.
(00:15:34) Kim’s Story of Denial
A personal startup experience, health struggles, and hard truths.
(00:20:29) Accountability Without Punishment
Why admitting mistakes doesn’t mean beating yourself up.
(00:21:40) The Manager’s Role
How leaders can spot issues early and make bad news safe to share.
(00:26:34) Escaping the “Death March”
Breaking the cycle of repeated missed deadlines.
(00:29:45) Preventing Crisis With Goal Tracking
How visibility helps identify delays before they become disasters.
(00:33:09) A Plan to Rebuild Trust
Steps for repairing credibility with your boss and peers.
(00:36:11) Cognitive vs. Affective Trust
The two sides of workplace trust and how to restore them.
(00:38:04) Radical Candor Tips
Advice for self-forgiveness, peer support, and managing accountability.
(00:41:37) Conclusion
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45:27
What Founders Need to Know About Feedback and Culture 7 | 33
Startup founders have a lot on their plates—but one of the most important things they can’t afford to neglect is how they build and lead their early team. Kim talks with executive coach and author Julia Austin about one of the most overlooked—but most important—skills for founders: setting clear expectations and giving helpful feedback early and often. Drawing from Julia’s book After the Idea, they cover how early hires shape company culture, why feedback systems matter from day one, and how to align as a team to create realistic, shared goals. Founders, joiners, and anyone curious about startup life will find valuable advice on leading with clarity, empathy, and purpose—because building a business starts with building relationships.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim Scott introduces guest Julia Austin, who shares the inspiration behind her book After the Idea.
(00:02:36) Why Early Hires Matter
How the first 10–15 employees shape startup culture.
(00:04:08) Building Good Systems
The importance of healthy incentives and checks on power.
(00:06:26) Growing Without Losing Trust
The evolution of startups as they scale and the growing pains that follow.
(00:08:14) Preparing for Growth and Change
Managing team expectations as the company shifts and scales.
(00:10:39) Layering Without Losing Trust
Hiring early senior employees with transparency and respect.
(00:14:51) Expectation Setting as a Leadership Tool
Why clearly defined roles and goals are the most underused tools.
(00:17:52) Co-Creating Goals in Startups
Tips on using 30/60/90-day plans and bottoms-up goal setting.
(00:19:53) What to Do When It’s Not Working
Signs of misalignment and navigating tough conversations with care.
(00:22:14) The Value of Contrarians
Why different working styles and perspectives can be strengths.
(00:23:49) Communicating What Success Looks Like
Setting clear goals to reduce ambiguity and guide decision-making.
(00:25:44) Aligning on Growth Strategy
Why co-founders need to agree on the speed and path of scale.
(00:28:10) Building a Culture of Feedback
Small changes that create clarity, reduce fear, and invite real conversations.
(00:29:50) Working With Visionary Founders
Addressing unrealistic expectations while honoring the big picture.
(00:32:02) Staying Connected as You Scale
How founders can stay approachable and in touch as the company grows.
(00:34:55) The Power of In-Person Moments
Why off-Zoom time and shared experiences matter for team trust.
(00:36:20) Common Mistakes Founders Make
Avoiding common traps like bottlenecking, gossip loops, and unclear roles.
(00:38:55) Conclusion
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Ready to love your job, crush your career goals, and become the kind of leader everyone actually wants to work with?
Welcome to the Radical Candor podcast, where you'll learn how to kick ass at work without losing your humanity. Host Amy Sandler and Radical Candor co-founders Kim Scott and Jason Rosoff to break down how you can Care Personally and Challenge Directly — the deceptively simple but powerful formula for building stronger teams, giving (and getting) better feedback, and leading with heart and clarity.
Each episode is packed with real talk, relatable stories, and actionable tips to help you do the best work of your life while building the best relationships of your career. Whether you’re a manager, a team player, or dreaming bigger for your future, this is the podcast that will change how you show up at work — and in life. P.S. Don’t forget to check out Kim Scott’s New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity! Want even more Radical Candor? Join the Radical Candor Community — free forever.