If you think digitalization is just about the latest tech, let's clear that up—because the biggest hurdles are human, not technical. In this episode, I dive into why digital transformation efforts often stall, exploring how middle management, cultural resistance, and other people factors play a crucial role. By the end, you'll have real strategies to make digitalization work in your organization.

What You’ll Get from This Episode:

• Insight into how human resistance and organizational culture impact digital transformation.
• Strategies to empower middle managers to become advocates for digital change.
• Practical tips on fostering a culture that welcomes adaptation and collaboration.
• Proven solutions to address the most common human-related challenges in digital projects.

Timestamps:

• [0:00] Introduction – Why digitalization isn’t just about tech and how human factors can derail even the best-planned initiatives.
• [01:20] The Real Barrier to Digitalization Isn’t the Tech – How resistance to digital change impacts transformation efforts and why it’s such a common challenge.
• [03:15] Why Middle Managers Are the Key Players in Digital Transformation – The role middle management plays in either driving or blocking digital change and how to get them on board.
• [05:26] Creating a Culture That Embraces Change – How company culture impacts digitalization efforts and tips on building a culture that welcomes adaptability and innovation.
• [07:35] Practical Solutions to Tackle the Human Side of Digitalization – Effective approaches, like tailored communication, ongoing training, gradual rollouts, and building peer support networks to sustain momentum.
• [10:55] Conclusion – Wrapping up the steps needed for a digital transformation that goes beyond technology and creates lasting change.

Key Takeaways

• Understand why resistance to change is a natural response to digitalization and how to address it proactively.
• Learn why middle managers are crucial to driving successful digital projects and how to empower them to lead.
• Discover ways to build a company culture that sees digitalization as part of growth, not disruption.
• Get practical tips on managing the people side of digital transformation—from strong communication strategies to peer support, training, and celebrating milestones.

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Ready to become a more effective leader by understanding what truly drives change? Subscribe for more practical, people-centered insights on leadership, and culture – every Tuesday.

You can connect with me at:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alicatrizma.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicatrizma/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alicatrizma/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alicatrizma/podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thanks for tuning in!

Also thanks to: Sound Effect by VFS World from Pixabay

Ever leaned on someone who’s “been there” for advice, only to feel frustrated or stuck? In this episode, we’re turning the concept of empathy on its head and exposing why relying on shared struggles might actually work against you in leadership. With insights from top research, I break down why fresh perspectives are often the key to real support and growth.

What You’ll Get from This Episode:

• Understand why shared experiences don’t always lead to good advice
• Learn how to identify when you're stuck in an “echo chamber” of advice
• Explore the power of fresh perspectives over familiar struggles
• Find Out how to seek the right advice that actually moves you forward
• Discover ways to turn empathy into actionable, meaningful support for your team

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction 01:33 The Myth of Empathy Through Shared Struggles 03:29 Why Fresh Perspectives Are More Valuable 05:43 Recognizing When You’re Stuck in an Echo Chamber 07:52 How to Seek Better Advice 10:04 Turning Empathy Into Actionable Support 12:04 Conclusion

Ready to rethink your support network? Tune in to discover how to find advice that fuels your leadership journey.

Sources and links mentioned in the episode:

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-14256-004 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/job.2799

Sound Effect by⁠ ⁠VFS World⁠ ⁠from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

Subscribe & Review: If today’s episode gave you something fresh to think about, I’d love for you to hit subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes! And if you’re finding these insights helpful, leaving a quick review would mean a lot—it helps others discover the show and join us on this journey to better, no-nonsense leadership. Thanks for being here!

You can connect with me at:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alicatrizma.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicatrizma/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alicatrizma/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alicatrizma/podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thanks for tuning in to Beyond Boss!

In this episode of Beyond Boss, I use a current story about Meta firing employees for misusing meal vouchers to discuss leadership, ethics, and perception.

While this case is making headlines now, the lessons about trust and accountability are timeless. These insights will help you avoid small mistakes that could have a big impact on your career.

What You Will Get from This Episode:

• Why even small ethical lapses can lead to serious career consequences.
• How perception plays a critical role in leadership.
• What leaders can learn from Meta’s response and how to handle similar situations.
• Strategies to build a work environment that promotes accountability and trust.
• How to recover from ethical mistakes without letting them define your career.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Ethical Leadership
• 01:50 – The Power of Perception in Leadership
• 03:46 – Ethical Blind Spots and Their Consequences
• 05:54 – Maintaining Ethical Standards Under Pressure
• 08:07 – Accountability and Owning Mistakes
• 09:56 – Long-Term Career Impact of Ethical Lapses
• 12:18 – Conclusion

Sources and links mentioned in the episode:

Manager Magazin in German:

https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/meta-feuert-mitarbeiter-wegen-missbrauch-von-essensgeld-zahnpasta-statt-lunch-a-6b85d71c-6cef-41a5-b868-cf5455f0ac61

Financial Times (in English, subscription needed):

https://www.ft.com/content/7d1a2738-2518-4ddb-811b-8abf9a745590

Subscribe & Review: If this episode gave you new insights into leadership and ethics, I’d love for you to subscribe and leave a review. It helps more people find the show and keeps the conversation going.

You can connect with me at:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alicatrizma.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alicatrizma/podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicatrizma/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alicatrizma/⁠⁠⁠

Thanks for tuning in to Beyond Boss!

Setbacks happen to everyone. Maybe it was a missed promotion, a project gone wrong, or just something that didn’t go as planned.

In this episode of Beyond Boss, I talk about what separates those who get stuck from those who use setbacks as stepping stones for bigger wins.

Learn how to transform failure into fuel for your next promotion with actionable strategies that show leadership, resilience, and readiness for growth. No fluff, just straight-up insights to turn a tough moment into your next big move.

What You Will Get from This Episode:

• Learn how to own your setbacks and turn them into opportunities that boost your career.
• Understand why accountability and resilience are essential for career growth and how to showcase these traits effectively.
• Get actionable steps for creating a comeback plan that positions you for future promotions and responsibilities.
• Discover ways to communicate setbacks with maturity and confidence, ensuring your progress is seen and recognized.
• Explore real-world examples from industry leaders who turned failures into career-defining successes.

Episode Highlights:

• [0:00] Introduction – Why setbacks are not the end, but a chance to level up.
• [01:09] Owning the Setback – The importance of taking responsibility and how this maturity marks you as leadership-ready.
• [02:43] Avoiding Common Pitfalls – The “loser” reactions to setbacks (excuses, victim mentality, disappearing) and why they can derail your career.
• [04:41] Communicating the Setback – Tactics for addressing setbacks with confidence, from timing to body language.
• [06:09] Building Your Comeback Plan – Crafting a strategy that’s about growth, not just fixing past mistakes.
• [08:42] Making Your Comeback Visible – Why you need to ensure your comeback doesn’t go unnoticed, and how to keep leaders updated on your progress.

• [10:29] Turning Failure Into Leverage – Using past setbacks as assets that showcase your resilience and make you the right person for the next big challenge.

Enjoying Beyond Boss? Hit Subscribe to stay updated on new episodes that equip you with real-world strategies to excel as a middle manager in today’s competitive landscape.

You can connect with me at:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://alicatrizma.com⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alicatrizma/podcasts⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicatrizma/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alicatrizma/⁠⁠

Office politics can make or break your career. In this episode of Beyond Boss, I talk about how to navigate the unwritten rules of your workplace, build the right alliances, and position yourself for promotion—all without compromising your integrity. If you want to get ahead and fast-track your career, this is the episode you need.

Here is what you will get from this episode:

• Learn how to recognize and engage with the real power dynamics in your organization.
• Understand the importance of building strategic alliances with key players.
• Discover the unspoken rules that determine who gets promoted.
• Master the art of controlling your professional narrative to position yourself as a leader.
• Develop a strategy to make your contributions visible and valued by decision-makers.

Timeline:

00:30 Intro

01:12 Stop Pretending Office Politics Doesn’t Exist

03:35 Identify the Hidden Power Structures (and Spot the Fakers)

07:12 Build Strategic Alliances

09:50 Understand the Unwritten Rules

12:05 Control the Narrative

14:06 Conclusion

Memorable Quotes:

• “If you’re not playing the game of office politics, someone else is—probably to your disadvantage.”
• “Your reputation is currency. If you’re not controlling your narrative, you’re letting others define you.”

Subscribe & Review: If this episode gave you valuable insights, make sure to subscribe so you never miss another chance to level up your career. And if you enjoyed this episode, leave a review—it helps others discover the podcast.

You can connect with me at:

Website: ⁠⁠https://alicatrizma.com⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alicatrizma/podcasts⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicatrizma/⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alicatrizma/⁠⁠

If you're wondering why you're not getting promoted even though you're hitting all your targets and leading your team well, this episode is for you.

I dispel the myths about what actually gets you promoted and what holds you back. Spoiler: It's not enough to just do your job.

I reveal what really matters to leaders - how you can make an impact, drive business growth and put yourself in the conversation for the next big move.

Are you ready to stop sinking and start standing out? Tune in for real, actionable advice to help you shift your mindset and take control of your career.

Key Takeaways:

1. Doing your job well is just the bare minimum.
2. Leadership is about driving business growth, not keeping everyone happy.
3. Waiting for recognition is a waste of time—make your value visible.
4. Senior leadership promotes those who show impact, not those who micromanage.
5. Focus on business outcomes and think strategically to stand out.

6. 
   

_____TIMELINE:

00:00 Introduction to Beyond Boss

01:10 What You Think Matters (But Won’t Get You Promoted)

01:16 Doing Your Job Well Isn’t Enough

03:27 Being Nice Won’t Get You Far

05:31 Waiting for Recognition is a Waste of Time

07:24 What Really Matters (And Will Get You Promoted)

07:27 Business Impact Over Everything

09:11 Be a Strategic Player

11:43 Influence Beyond Your Team—and Beyond Your Company

14:29 Bonus Point

16:34 Wrap up

_________

You can connect with me at:

Website: ⁠⁠https://alicatrizma.com⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alicatrizma/podcasts⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicatrizma/⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alicatrizma/⁠⁠

X: ⁠⁠https://x.com/AlicaTrizma⁠⁠

__________

My mission at Beyond Boss is to empower ambitious middle managers to become impactful leaders by providing real, actionable strategies that help them navigate the complexities of global, multinational teams. No fluff, just the insights needed to drive growth and get noticed at the top.

In this episode of Beyond Boss, I talk about recognizing and dealing with toxic behaviors in multinational teams.

You'll learn about common toxic behaviors like the silent saboteur, gossip and the ostracizer and offer three actionable steps to address and prevent these issues.

You'll hear examples from my years of experience and understand the importance of acting quickly to curb the spread of negativity.

You will learn how to recognize red flags, deal with toxic team members privately and set clear expectations to maintain a healthy work environment.

00:31 Identifying Toxic Team Members

03:12 Red Flags of Toxic Behavior

05:43 Addressing Toxic Behavior

07:59 Escalating Unresolved Issues

10:10 Preventing Toxic Behavior

12:01 Conclusion and Next Steps

_________

You can connect with me at:

Website: ⁠⁠https://alicatrizma.com⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alicatrizma/podcasts⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicatrizma/⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alicatrizma/⁠⁠

X: ⁠⁠https://x.com/AlicaTrizma⁠⁠

__________

My mission at the Beyond Boss podcast is to improve the leadership skills of middle managers in global, multinational, cross-cultural teams.