Unprofessionalism
What does it really mean to be professional?
For generations, professionalism has been associated with competence, composure and control. But many of the unwritten rules we follow at work were built for a different world, one that asked us to hide uncertainty, suppress emotion and prioritise appearance over connection.
Each week, Dr Myriam Hadnes, behavioural economist, facilitator and founder of workshops.work, sits down with people who've questioned those rules. Their stories start with a professional risk. Few set out to be disruptive. Most simply reached a point where the conventional way of working no longer served them or the people around them.
Together they unpack the risks they took: admitting they didn't know, showing grief at work, challenging authority, asking for help, dressing differently, changing careers, trusting others, leading in ways they'd never seen modelled.
This podcast doesn't ask you to reject professionalism, or treat authenticity as some ideal to reach for. It’s about judgment: Which professional norms help us collaborate, lead and build trust? Which ones create distance between people? And how do we recognise the difference?
If you've ever felt the gap between who you are and who you think work wants you to be, this podcast invites you to look again. Not every professional rule needs breaking. But every one is worth questioning.
Unprofessionalism
Latest Episodes
036 - The Person Behind the Title with Piero Gandini
This week's professional risk - inspired by Piero GandiniRisking status and authority by refusing to let your title determine how you relate to people.DescriptionWhat happens when you gain status but refuse to...
035 - When Private and Professional Collapse with Dr. Kate Raynes-Goldie
This week's professional risk - inspired by Kate Raynes-GoldieTrusting yourself enough to break the rules that are supposed to keep you safe.DescriptionProfessionalism feels safe. Kate calls it a false safety:...
034 - Taking Responsibility with Amar Dhall
This week's professional risk - inspired by Amar DhallTaking responsibility for what went wrong, even when someone else clearly made the mistake.DescriptionWhat if your first question when something goes wrong...
033 - Female Health, the Last Professional Taboo with Alissia Quaintance
This week's professional risk - inspired by Alissia QuaintanceSpeaking about the female cycle and women’s health in the corporate environment.DescriptionTalking about our health at work is easy while we are he...