Corporate Pizza Party

Hack your HR with Amy Lentz

*Dear listeners, due to some personal reasons in the Corporate Pizza Party family, we were unable to record our latest episode. Rather than leave you with no episode for a 2nd straight week we wanted to re-air our conversation with Amy Lentz of Hack your HR.  Amy's insight and outlook in this space is a refreshing change of pace in our industry, and with this being one of our most popular episodes we wanted any new listeners to have the chance to hear her thoughts. We hope to be back next week with a new episode!*
 
Are you feeling stifled by a toxic work environment? This week, we're breaking through the corporate smog with Amy Lentz, the social media icon behind Hack Your HR who brings her positive  perspective to our dark world of office politics.
Our conversation shifts from stories of personal growth to hard-hitting advice on handling the kind of supervisors who leave your ethics in jeopardy. With tips on advocating for yourself and a powerful script for confronting ethical challenges, this episode is your guide to transforming your workplace woes into a story of self-empowerment. Remember, your well-being isn't just a priority; it's your right.
 We also dive into the viral layoff videos and some of the pros and cons to putting yourself in the spotlight during a layoff.
 
In this episode we discuss:
How Amy stays so positive (4:30)
Amy's DEESC script for handling tough bosses (12:10)
What did Dan pressure Mike to stop doing? (19:30)
Our thoughts on the Cloudfare layoff video (24:30)
 
Don't forget to follow, rate and review the pod!
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Follow Amy on Instagram and TikTok @HackYourHR
Follow Dan on TikTok @TheDanfromHR and Instagram @DanfromHR 
Follow Farah on TikTok and Instragram @Farahsharghi
Follow Mike on Tiktok and Instagram @Realisticrecruiting
 
 

The 3rd best career podcast episode

 
 
Ever found yourself locked in an epic online battle with a persistent commenter? We've been there, and we're sharing the hilarity that ensued when one of us faced that exact scenario. Our latest episode of Corporate Pizza Party is a rollercoaster of lighthearted rivalry as we compare our content creator rankings. Dan's not quite the top dog in job search content but apparently neither are his friends. Meanwhile, Farrah embraces her role as the "chopped liver" of the group, adding to our friendly competition as we savor the camaraderie that comes with being together without the usual pressures.
Tired of lurking on social media without so much as a like or comment in return? We get it and so we have a candid chat about the ups and downs of content creation and audience engagement. With some humorous insights into social media dynamics, we share personal stories that include a surprising revelation about adoption, giving you a glimpse into how our backgrounds shape our perspectives. This episode is all about laughter, personal stories, and a heartfelt plea for more interaction from our listeners.
LinkedIn etiquette, HR frustrations, and the joy of instrumental hobbies also take center stage. We tackle misconceptions about HR roles and share stories about dealing with online negativity—the kind that persists even after hitting the block button. To lighten the mood, we take a trip down memory lane to our musical pasts, reminiscing about our instrumental escapades from piano keys to saxophone solos. As we approach our one-year anniversary, join us in celebrating the remarkable, sometimes ridiculous, ride that is corporate life and content creation.
 

Should we talk about AI?

 
What if AI could do your job better than you? Could your role be at risk, or are you ready to ride the wave of innovation? Join us as we humorously unravel the quirks of corporate life, with  Dan teasing us about our podcast's shelf life and Mike unable to concentrate due to his upcoming special visitor. We share laughs over the curious etiquette of social media engagement among friends before diving headfirst into a compelling CNN article on the latest trends in executive leadership. This sets the stage for us to dissect the surprising shifts reshaping corporate America.
As we switch gears, the spotlight turns to AI's disruptive role in today's workplace. We dissect how tools like Microsoft's Copilot are revolutionizing tasks and question the future of job security in the face of rampant automation. From the perilous future of writing and design roles to the strategic value of revenue-generating positions, we weigh in on the critical skills needed to thrive. We then humorously tackle the gravity of layoffs and the murky waters of executive pay, all while poking fun at our delayed AI discussion 
 

Job Titles and Glassdoor Gossip

 From family conversations to quirky Ikea buys, join us as we share light-hearted moments and banter about corporate culture quirks. We even brainstorm a potential anniversary episode that has us chuckling over its perfect timing.
Our conversation then shifts gears as we explore the art of self-promotion, particularly focusing on job titles and levels within the workplace. Farrah takes us behind the scenes of her exciting experience with CNBC's Make It series, where she crafted a course on salary negotiation. Despite not earning a dime from sales, Farrah relishes the exposure from such a prestigious platform, and we chat about how these unexpected opportunities can springboard your career in surprising ways.
Lastly, we unpack the complexities of Glassdoor reviews and what they say about company transparency. With personal anecdotes, we touch on the frustrations of dealing with influencer marketing and the blurred lines it creates. From navigating misleading job titles, particularly the elusive "head of" positions, to sharing stories about company culture and the quest for accurate recognition, we leave no stone unturned in this humorous yet insightful examination of corporate life.
 

Recruiting Hell, ATS misinformation and a farewell to friends

Can misinformation be an art form? Join us on Corporate Pizza Party as we serve a slice of humor, nostalgia, and a bit of chaos! Farrah kicks off the episode with her infectious excitement over Oasis's reunion and her uncanny luck in scoring VIP tickets to their LA show. Meanwhile, Dan shares the story of his beloved cat, King, who recently passed away, leaving behind a legacy of feline antics that we celebrate with laughter and shared memories. Mike rounds out our opening with the good news of finally settling on a cohesive topic, promising a smoother conversational ride ahead.
The episode takes an unexpected twist as we explore the chaos Mike decided to cause over a recent viral story on Reddit. This story serves as a tongue-in-cheek critique of how the media often runs with unverified stories, drawing parallels to the outrageousness of tabloid narratives. From there we look at one of the worst webpages we've ever seen, all while  reflecting on the playful challenges of translating visual humor to an audio format, ponder the implications of revealing secret identities, and end on a cheerful note with plans for a future pizza party and a possible break for some camping adventures. Don't miss out on this blend of heartfelt moments and side-splitting stories!

Remote Work Woes and Festival Fiascos

It's time for a  RecFest recap and reflections on the event. Farrah and Mike recount the excitement of meeting each other in person for the first time, the awkwardness of navigating social interactions like deciding who to hug, and the ongoing challenges faced by recruiters in today's job market. Amidst the casual banter, we touch on the frustrations around AI in resume reviews and the persistent issue of ghosting in the hiring process, all while sharing some humorous takes on coffee preferences.
Listen in as we recount the chaotic yet amusing experience of running over time during a panel discussion at RecFest, leading to some unexpected moments with the host and abruptly cut microphones. We explore hiring practices aimed at humanizing the candidate experience, such as providing feedback and resources to rejected candidates, and share a humorous tangent about the favorite foods from the event. From public speaking nerves to the unique atmosphere that combined elements of a festival with a professional conference, this episode captures the essence of RecFest in all its glory.
Finally, we explore the recent trends in remote work productivity and corporate policies, with a special focus on major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta revisiting their return-to-office mandates.  Finally we are joined by a special guest we've heard about but never heard from on the podcast!

Mastering Job Interviews and Navigating the Evolving Job Market

What happens when you show up to a job interview quoting TikTok videos? Join us on this episode of the Corporate Pizza Party podcast as we share our hilarious misadventures recording on the road and our upcoming escapade to Recfest in Nashville. We dive into the importance of doing your homework before interviews, with candidates amusingly referencing our online content. Our lighthearted chat explores the quirks of corporate life and the unexpected ways social media plays a role in job preparedness.
Switching gears, we tackle the harsh realities of today’s tech job market. It's no longer the land of endless opportunities; companies are sharpening their axes, ready to cut underperformers without hesitation. We'll share real-life tales of job seekers applying to thousands of positions and the swift consequences of not meeting expectations. We emphasize the need for adaptability, clear communication of qualifications, and understanding the business game's new rules. This candid discussion is a must-listen for anyone navigating these turbulent waters.
Finally, we dissect the complexities and frustrations of modern recruitment processes. From the impractical hunt for the perfect hire to the emotional turmoil of job terminations, we leave no stone unturned. Personal anecdotes highlight the unrealistic expectations within hiring, while we discuss the balance needed for fair assessments. As we wrap up, enjoy a playful segment about spirit animals and why asking tough questions is crucial during job searches. This episode promises both laughter and valuable insights for job seekers and employers alike.

Social Media Scandals and Workplace Norms

Ever wondered how a simple LinkedIn post could turn into a social media frenzy? Join us on this episode of Corporate Pizza Party Podcast as we explore the dramatic saga of Ethan, a former Amazon employee, who accused his CEO of unethical behavior, sparking responses from the CEO himself and even Ethan's ex-wife. We break down the motivations behind airing such personal grievances online and the implications for personal branding and professional conduct, all with our signature blend of humor and disbelief. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this rollercoaster of a story!
Along the way, we reminisce about the origins of our podcast’s introductory segment, debating its current relevance, while sharing laughs over our struggles with air conditioning and creating travel content.
And for those navigating today's job market, we dive into the nuances of office attire and interview etiquette, especially for entry-level roles. We discuss the phenomenon of personality hires and share anecdotes of individuals being chosen for their positive vibes over experience. Additionally, we tackle the misconceptions perpetuated by social media trends, frustrations with media inaccuracies, and the shocking persistence of discriminatory job postings. This episode promises a thought-provoking discussion on the challenges and absurdities of modern employment, ensuring you leave with both insights and a smile.

Failing up- Bad Managers in the Workplace

Ever wondered how people manage to rise through the ranks despite their glaring incompetence? This week we are dishing out some hilarious yet insightful takes on the curious phenomenon of "failing up" in corporate America. 
We dive headfirst into the baffling world of corporate hierarchies, sharing juicy stories of leaders who dodge accountability and clueless managers who somehow keep getting promoted. We dissect a particularly head-scratching scenario involving a leader who made a colossal blunder but left the fallout to an unlucky subordinate. From the Peter Principle to inadequate training programs, we expose the cracks in the system that allow underqualified individuals to ascend to their level of incompetence.
Our conversation shifts gears as we discuss what effective management should look like, spotlighting both the empathetic and authoritative aspects of the role. With personal anecdotes and contrasting corporate training programs like those at Electronic Arts, we stress the importance of robust internal training over external consultants. 

Respecting Gig Workers and Office Antics

JOur lighthearted chat about Farrah's "new mom" look smoothly transitions into a conversation about quirky baby products, including a donut-shaped pillow for toddlers learning to walk before we finally getting into bashing what may be one of the worst Linkedin posts of all time.
 Listen in as we humorously dissect the post's lack of genuine engagement and the defensive responses from the original poster. We also touch on the ease of automating responses to job applicants and the collective effort by LinkedIn users to call out nonsensical posts. This conversation inspires a creative idea for a TikTok series based on corporate and HR-related insults, turning professional jargon into witty comebacks.
We then explore the societal stigma around jobs such as driving for Uber or bartending, emphasizing their respectability and potential networking opportunities. The discussion highlights the importance of respecting essential workers and the reality versus perception of jobs like BART employees in San Francisco. We share personal anecdotes about layoffs at Bungie and the broader implications for employees in the gaming industry. Wrapping up, we examine the challenges faced by laid-off employees and recruiting teams, ending on a light-hearted note with a funny office recording mishap. Join us as we share our thoughts, express confidence in our work, and invite you to join us for the next pizza party.