Unicorns in the Breakroom

Episode 33: Layoff Season

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Amy and Sarah recorded something of an "emergency pod" this week amidst the announcements of mass layoffs at Amazon, Target, and other tech companies and retailers.

Unicorns in the Breakroom is proudly sponsored by Pinecone Coaching, a Leadership Coaching company dedicated to helping rising leaders gain the confidence they need to take their careers to the next level. Mention the podcast for a 15% discount off of any coaching package!

Email us your work stories: unicornsinthebreakroom@gmail.com
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Episode 32: Hacking Motivation

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Amy and Sarah have some tips and tricks on how to kickstart your motivation at work if you've hit a real slump.

Also Sarah shares her favorite new TikTok account!

Episode 31: Know Your Microskills!

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0400

What are you *uniquely* good at? What are your superpowers? Understanding your "microskills" and knowing how to leverage them at work is a key to your success. Amy and Sarah talk you through how to identify, utilize, and showcase your microskills in corporate.

Episode 30: Managing Up

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0400

What is managing up and how do you do it?

Episode 29: The Art of the 1X1

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0400

How to get the most out of those one-on-one meetings -- with your boss, your direct, your skip level, or your peer.

Episode 28: AI Don't Think So

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In which Sarah begs you to stop writing "hot takes" about the em-dash on LinkedIn.

Episode 27: Job Hugging

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Just Hold On Loosely, but don't let go
If you cling to tightly,
you're gonna lose control
Your baby needs someone to believe in
And a whole lot of space to breathe in

Episode 26: Back to School

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Sharpen your pencils and join us as we talk through the trials and tribulations of the back to school/back to work season.

Season 2 Trailer

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:00:00 -0400

We're back, baby!

Episode 25: Change Management

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Sarah and Amy talk about navigating change as a leader or a direct report and introduce a framework (the CLEAR model) for thinking through all the elements of leading change.

It's our final episode of Season 1! See you right back here in a couple of months for Season 2 of UITB.

Episode 24: Executive Presence

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Amy and Sarah talk about Executive Presence. What it is, why it matters, and how to embody it.

Episode 23: Mistakes We've Made (A Few)

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Amy and Sarah talk about the top 3 mistakes they've made in the workplace, and what they learned from them.

Episode 22: Power Mapping

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Looking beyond the org chart, Amy and Sarah talk about the importance of power mapping within organizations. They explore the dynamics of formal, informal, and social power, and how understanding these can help individuals navigate their careers more effectively.

Episode 21: Setting Boundaries at Work

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Amy and Sarah tackle boundaries. Learning to set boundaries with your time and your energy is critical to being able to, well, function. This includes saying no to unnecessary meetings, limiting after-hours work, managing extra tasks, and communicating your capacity clearly. Boundaries aren’t about being rigid or unhelpful—they’re about making sure your contributions are sustainable and aligned with your career goals.

Boundaries can be especially tough for early-career professionals and women, who are often conditioned to be agreeable, responsive, and accommodating. The pressure to prove yourself or avoid being seen as difficult can make saying no feel risky—but learning to set boundaries is essential not just for protecting your own career growth and well-being, but also for modeling healthy work habits for others.

Episode 20: When Copying is Okay

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," and in this episode, Amy and Sarah encourage you to go forth and imitate the people you admire at work.

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Want to leave us a review? Feel free to copy and paste any one of these into Apple Podcasts. It takes just a couple minutes of your time, and really helps us get discovered:

Absolutely obsessed! This podcast is equal parts hilarious, insightful, and unfiltered in the best way. A must-listen for anyone navigating corporate life with a shred of sanity left.

Smart, funny, and refreshingly real. No fluff, just sharp takes on corporate nonsense with a side of career wisdom.

I came for the witty commentary, stayed for the existential crisis about office politics. 10/10, would spiral again.

Wasn’t sure what to expect, but now I feel SEEN. Finally, a podcast that understands the ridiculous reality of corporate life and doesn’t sugarcoat it.

Like therapy, but free and way funnier. If you’ve ever had a meeting that could have been an email, this one’s for you.

Perfect mix of no-BS advice and workplace tea. If you’re trying to level up in your career without selling your soul, listen to this.

Listening to this podcast makes me feel like I have an actual survival strategy for office life. I mean, other than crying in the bathroom.

This podcast should be required listening before anyone signs an offer letter. Save yourself.

Unicorns get it. If you work in HR or L&D, this is a goldmine of insight into what employees are actually thinking (and why they hate your mandatory trainings).

Why did no one tell me about this sooner?! I just binged 10 episodes and now I don’t know how I survived work without it.

Also of note, an apple pie recipe that will cause you to die of happiness:

Apple Pie (NYT)

The (still going!) podcast on Revolutions:

Revolutions Podcast

Episode 19: Imposter Syndrome

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Amy and Sarah talk about imposter syndrome. What is it, how do you recognize it, and what can you do about it.

Further Resources:

The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women (Dr. Valerie Young)

Website on Dunning-Kruger Effect

Episode 18: Leading Former Colleagues

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0500

For this week's listener-requested topic, Amy and Sarah discuss the experience of transitioning from colleague to supervisor in the workplace. They share personal experiences about adjusting priorities, managing relationships with former peers, and establishing appropriate leadership boundaries. While leadership transitions present initial challenges, the new role can be a great experience for everyone when approached with clear communication and appropriate humility.

Episode 17: Managing Survivor's Guilt After a WFR

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Amy and Sarah dive into the complexities of managing your emotions, expectations, relationships, and workload after a massive layoff -- when you're the one who survived. Just because you were lucky enough to be spared, doesn't mean it's easy to navigate these transitions. We're here to help.

Episode 16: Job Hunting Part 6, Negotiating

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0500

In this final installment of the 6-part job hunting series, Amy and Sarah dive deep into the art of negotiating job offers. They provide a comprehensive guide for professionals at all levels, with special attention to those new to high-stakes negotiations.

The episode explores critical aspects of the negotiation process, from understanding your professional worth to evaluating complete compensation packages beyond base salary. Amy and Sarah demystify equity compensation, including stock options and RSUs, while discussing how to assess risk tolerance when considering different compensation structures.

The hosts share proven negotiation strategies and emphasize the value of professional financial guidance, particularly when dealing with complex equity packages. They conclude with practical steps listeners can take to strengthen their negotiation skills and advocate for themselves effectively in their careers.

Episode 15: Job Hunting Part 5, The Interview

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Sarah and Amy finally get you into the room where it happens, reminding you that the job interview is a performance, not a conversation. They discuss the importance of preparation, including mastering the STAR(T) method for storytelling, and provide tips for both in-person and video interviews. The conversation also covers how to navigate tricky interview questions and how to close an interview on a strong note.

Episode 14: Job Hunting Part 4, Resumes and Cover Letters

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0500

In Part 4 of this 6(? - we think)-part episode Amy and Sarah talk about all the fun surrounding resume crafting and cover letters. They discuss what makes resumes truly effective, including why understanding both recruiters and hiring managers matters. The discussion then turns to storytelling techniques for resumes, practical ways to use AI tools responsibly, and an alternative to traditional cover letters called the 'pain letter' approach. Throughout their talk, they weave in specific examples and insights that job seekers can apply to their own search process.

Episode 13: Job Hunting Part 3, Into Action

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In Part 3, Sarah and Amy discuss effective networking strategies, including reaching out to your personal network, cold outreach, conferences and meetups, the importance of informational interviews, and the significance of personal branding in career development. They emphasize the need for long-term networking, crafting a compelling personal story, and practical tips for creating impactful resumes and cover letters. The discussion highlights the importance of authenticity in personal branding and the value of seeking feedback from trusted advisors. Next week: a deeper dive on resume and cover letter creation.

Episode 12: Job Hunting Part 2, Don't Spray and Pray

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Amy and Sarah continue their job hunting series, focusing on the importance of targeted research and networking in the job search process. They discuss how to build a target list of companies, the significance of thorough research, and the value of networking to create meaningful connections. The episode emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to job hunting, encouraging listeners to take control of their search and make informed decisions about their career paths.

Episode 11: Job Hunting Part 1, Getting Started

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Part 1 in a series on job hunting. Sarah and Amy discuss the challenges and strategies of job hunting, especially in the current corporate landscape. Today's episode is dedicated to some of the prework required, and how to think about your job hunt if you are currently employed vs. out of work. They emphasize the importance of mindset, networking, and knowing what you want in a job.

resources mentioned:
What Got You Here Won't Get You There
NerdJourney - What Can I do in Response to a Layoff Event?
Pimsleur Language Learning

Episode 10: Books that changed us

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Amy and Sarah share 3 books each that changed their thinking about work, or life, or both.

The list:
AMY
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
Superbosses: How Exceptional Leaders Master the Flow of Talent
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Innovation
SARAH
Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
The Elements of Style

Honorable mention:
The Happiness Project & Better than Before
Aristotle's Poetics
The Odyssey (try Emily Wilson's translation)
Jane Eyre
The Effective Executive
Outlive

Episode 9: Your 2024 Action Items Wrapped Extravaganza

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Amy and Sarah run through all of the action items from 2024, plus the most important action item of all: get some rest.

Resource - How to Develop a 5-Year Plan (HBR)

Episode 8: Why You Should be Interviewing

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

After a brief update on nozzles and jam, Sarah and Amy discuss the importance of interviewing, even for those who are currently satisfied in their jobs. They explore how interviewing can sharpen skills, build confidence, enhance market awareness, and expand professional networks.

The conversation emphasizes that interviewing should not be viewed as a sign of disloyalty but rather as a proactive approach to personal and professional growth.

The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the interview process as a valuable learning experience that can lead to greater job satisfaction and career development.

Episode 7: Build Your Own Career Development Plan

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500

It's that time of year again - time for annual goal setting, performance reviews, and updating your Career Development Plan.

In this week's episode, Sarah and Amy discuss the importance of taking charge of your own career development. They emphasize that while companies may provide resources and training, individuals must actively manage their career paths. The conversation covers the role of managers in supporting employee growth, the limitations of corporate training programs, and the necessity of self-awareness and personal responsibility in achieving professional goals. The hosts also highlight the significance of balancing professional growth with personal well-being and the value of mentorship.

Discussion points:

•Why your employer’s training programs and annual performance review goals shouldn’t be your only path to growth.

•The risks of relying solely on corporate structures for career advancement.

•Practical steps to set your own development goals—and stick to them.

•How to balance professional growth with healthy boundaries.

•The importance of self-awareness in identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

•Why embracing personal responsibility doesn’t mean rejecting your team or company.

RESOURCES

HBR Article on building your own 5-year CDP

Episode 6: Embracing the Multicultural Workplace

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Join Sarah and Amy as they unravel the delightful, albeit tricky, world of multicultural teams, where communication is an art form and cultural faux pas are just waiting to happen. Sarah and Amy break down communication styles, exploring how diverse teams can transform from a potential disaster movie to an innovation powerhouse.

The hosts share practical tips on building trust, bridging cultural gaps, and turning workplace diversity from a corporate buzzword into your team's secret superpower.

Episode 5: Managing Conflict at Work

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Sarah and Amy tackle conflict at work, from interpersonal relationship issues to disagreements around work and strategy. They discuss the importance of direct, honest communication and empathy, revealing how to navigate workplace conflicts without burning bridges. From recognizing toxic behaviors to delivering feedback that actually lands, the discussion offers a roadmap for creating more authentic and supportive professional relationships.

Key insights include:

Breaking the cycle of conflict avoidance
Transforming difficult conversations into opportunities for growth
Distinguishing between healthy disagreement and destructive conflict

Sources:

Books:
Radical Candor
The Sociopath Next Door

History Podcasts:
The Rest is History
The History of Rome

Episode 4: How (and Whether!) to Run a Meeting

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Whether you're the organizer or an attendee, there are ways to make meetings better for everyone. Sarah and Amy explore the concept of 'meeting hygiene,' including the need for clear agendas, respectful scheduling, and the roles & responsibilities of organizers and attendees. The conversation also covers strategies for running meetings effectively, including pre-wiring, managing discussions (and difficult people), keeping participants engaged, and ensuring follow-up actions are clear.

Resources:

Flown.com -- body doubling site
Nerd Journey -- What can I do in response to a layoff event?

Episode 3: The MultiGenerational Workplace

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Amy and Sarah discuss how to get along, generationally speaking, in the workplace. We now live in a time where five generations -- ranging from the Silent Generation to Gen Z -- are all working together. How can we bridge the generational divides? What kind of stereotypes are holding us back from making connections with each other? And what can we learn from the younger generations as we all try to move forward?

Episode 2: Video Call Dos and Don'ts

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Sarah and Amy discuss things to do -- and not do -- on video calls.

Episode 1: The RTO vs WFH Battle Continues

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

What is going on with all the Return to Office mandates and mixed messages around hybrid work? Do corporations really need butts in seats in order to have a robust "culture" and ensure collaboration? Amy and Sarah are skeptical...

Episode .5: Teaser Episode

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Why does Sarah call Amy "Snuffy"?
Is "office" a verb?
And most important, what the heck is a unicorn doing in the breakroom?

All this and more in the teaser/trailer episode for the brand new podcast "Unicorns in the Breakroom"