Have you heard? Cynopsis has partnered with STUCK – a savvy podcast helping people get unSTUCK from common workplace dilemmas in the entertainment and media industries. STUCK is co-hosted by Damian Bazadona (President and Founder of Situation) and Rachelle Pereira (Co-Founder of EQUALibrium Group). On the podcast, the dynamic duo hears questions directly from their listeners and provides intuitive answers based on their unique expertise and years of experience. Cynopsis is excited to be the official partner for Season 3 where we’re putting a special spotlight on millennials and Gen Z.
Spoiler alert: you may get hooked! Want to get more involved? Submit your stickiest workplace conundrums here, and then stay tuned for Season 3 of STUCK, coming to headphones near you this September.
Damian and Rachelle explain why they started the podcast and what differentiates their podcast from other business-focused ones out there.
What was your inspiration for STUCK?
RP: Damian and I love debating management and leadership topics. We wanted to do something creative together and this was a natural extension.
DB: To help people. I truly enjoy using whatever knowledge or insight I have captured over the years to help folks who ultimately just need a fresh perspective on the inevitable workplace dilemmas we all experience. A big part of my day is working in large group environments, so I’ve seen a lot.
How is it different from other business-focused podcasts?
RP: I am a huge podcast listener and there are loads of well-produced and thoroughly researched stuff out there. I like that our podcast is instinctual, where we don’t have time to look up the “right answer.” And I like when listeners say that they play along and see if their answers match ours.
DB: I think people crave advice that’s from the heart and a bit less calculating. There are plenty of places to get advice on workplace problems, but I hope our format of the “five-minute time limit” brings a personal, authentic, human response to the equation. Plus, we have Rachelle–she’s super smart and has a gigantic book of advice sewed into her brain. “Rachelle, what does the book say to do here?” She’s faster and funnier than Alexa. Just sayin’.
What’s the stickiest workplace dilemma YOU’VE each had? How did you solve it?
RP: The toughest stuff I’ve faced is around trust. It’s the most valuable commodity between people. And building it, maintaining it and, if needed, rebuilding it is incredibly important. Over the years, I’ve learned how to build trust through being trustworthy (showing both my competence and character), but I still find it tough to build trust when the other party is really resistant. I do my best to be reflective while not taking it personally.
DB: Navigating “bad” behavior from people I’m reliant on in one way or another. When I was younger, this was a much bigger issue as I had little experience, confidence, or financial options to confront those in leadership positions to me exhibiting behavior that I fundamentally disagreed with.
How did I solve it? I got old and realized I had two working legs to allow me to avoid these people.
What are the most common types of workplace dilemmas you encounter? How does it vary by age?
RP: In my work, difficult conversations are always at the heart of the toughest workplace dilemmas. And this is a universal problem, but for various interesting reasons.
DB: So much centers around the idea of growth–both personally and professionally–and the relationships, choices, and headwinds that stand in the way.
I feel it’s pretty much the same types of questions at their core, but younger folks bring more tactical questions. Older folks typically already know the answer to their question–they often just need to hear someone else tell them.
Why was Cynopsis the right partner for Season 3?
RP: One of the most annoying things I see is people complaining about younger generations. We were all once the younger generation and we changed the workforce for the better. I love that Cynopsis is focused on how to support these generations to grow and develop! And how the rest of us can help.
DB: Cynopsis has one of the most wide-ranging job boards in the entertainment and media industry. From entry-level roles to VP positions, it’s quite impressive the diversity of jobs and candidates they are reaching. In addition, I believe the entertainment and media industries have some pretty deep-rooted workplace issues that need to be aired out! Cynopsis is who the industry trusts for these conversations.
