What if the conversation you’re avoiding is the one you actually need?

This month on Work Besties Who Podcast, we’re kicking off our Communication & Transformation theme with a big one: how to talk it out at work.

In this episode, Jess and Claude talk about conflict, feedback, listening, and how to say the thing clearly without making it messy. Because silence is not always peace, and sometimes the conversation we avoid is the one that could help us grow.

We break down why clear communication builds trust, how feedback can be honest without being harsh, and why your work bestie can help you pause before sending that spicy email.

We also introduce the Talk It Out Map, a simple way to prepare for hard conversations by focusing on the facts, feelings, needs, clear language, one good question, and the next step.

This week’s Work Bestie Challenge: pick one conversation you’ve been avoiding and practice saying the thing with care.

Because clear is kind. And clarity is calm.

Your Supportive Work Besties,
Jess & Claude

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband

What if allyship is not just one big brave moment — but something we practice every day?

In Episode 103 of Work Besties Who Podcast, Jess and Claude welcome Sandra Coker, founder and CEO of Human Power Solutions, for a conversation about everyday allyship, people-first leadership, mentorship, and the small workplace moments that help people feel seen, supported, and able to grow.

Sandra shares practical ways teams can build stronger connection, reduce workplace drama, and create cultures where people actually want to show up. From peer mentorship and emotional intelligence to intentional check-ins and her “Midday Momentum” ritual, Sandra reminds us that allyship is often found in the small actions we take every day.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What everyday allyship really looks like at work
• Why mentorship does not have to be formal to be powerful
• How mentors and mentees both grow from the relationship
• Why emotional intelligence is a real skill
• How communication styles can create or reduce workplace drama
• Why people-first leadership is not soft — it is strategic
• Simple ways to support, advocate for, and lift others at work

This conversation is a reminder that nobody grows alone. Sometimes allyship looks like giving credit, sharing context, checking in, offering help, or saying someone’s name in a room they are not in.

Share this episode with the work bestie, mentor, or everyday ally who has helped you rise.

Learn more from Sandra Coker and her company at Human Power Solutions, Find her book & podcast and on LinkedIn

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What if the best leaders are not the ones who had the easiest path — but the ones who know what it feels like to need support?

In this episode of Work Besties Who Podcast, Jess and Claude sit down with Allie Grack, founder of Workhorse Marketing, for a powerful and honest conversation about resilience, empathy, leadership, and building teams that do not burn out.

Allie shares how her early life experiences shaped the way she leads today, why empathy is not a weakness, and how her “messy mind” has become one of her greatest creative strengths. We also talk about what it means to support women in the workplace, create psychological safety, and become the kind of leader, mentor, and ally you wish you had.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they were “too much,” anyone learning to lead with more humanity, and anyone who believes we grow better when we grow together.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How resilience can shape leadership
• Why empathy belongs in the workplace
• How to support ambition without creating burnout
• The power of a “messy mind”
• Why different working styles make stronger teams
• What women really need to grow
• The importance of work besties, truth-tellers, and support systems

Connect with Allie Grack:

Workhorse Marketing: https://teamworkhorse.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-gilbert-teamworkhkorse

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband

Have you ever wished you had a mentor, but had no idea where to find one?

This month, we’re talking about mentorship and allyship — but not just the formal, structured kind. In this episode, we’re rethinking what mentorship can look like and why the person helping you grow may already be sitting right next to you: your work bestie.

We talk about peer mentorship, why work besties often give the most real-time advice, the difference between mentors who help with the future and peers who help with the moment, and how to build your own “mentor ecosystem” instead of waiting for one perfect mentor to appear.

Because sometimes the most impactful mentorship is happening in everyday conversations — through honest feedback, safe support, and the people who help you see your own strengths.

Your Supportive Work Besties,
Jess & Claude

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband

What started as two coworkers laughing through stressful projects somehow turned into 100 episodes of Work Besties Who Podcast.

In this milestone episode, Jess and Claude go back to the beginning: how they met, how their work friendship started, the stressful project that brought them closer, the matching outfits that put them “on the map,” and the chaotic little idea that eventually became this podcast.

They also reflect on what has changed since episode one, what has stayed exactly the same, and why having someone in your corner at work can make all the difference.

This episode is part celebration, part throwback, and part love letter to the Work Besties community.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Jess and Claude first met
• The stressful work project that bonded them
• Why collaboration beats competition
• The matching outfits and inside jokes that became part of their story
• How the podcast idea actually started
• What 100 episodes has taught them
• Why workplace friendships matter more than people realize

Since this is our 100th episode, we want to hear from you. Tell us your favorite episode, favorite guest, funniest moment, or what you want more of next.

Your Supportive Work Besties,
Jess & Claude

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Have you ever been asked, “What salary are you looking for?” and suddenly forgotten every impressive thing you’ve ever done?

In this episode of Work Besties Who Podcast, Jess and Claude sit down with Megan Applegate, a former recruiter and Talent Acquisition Director, to talk about one of the most stressful career conversations: salary negotiation.

Megan shares what professionals often misunderstand before the negotiation even starts, why knowing your market value matters, how to build proof around your experience, and why you should not wait until the offer stage to think about compensation.

We also talk about creating a “brag book,” asking your work bestie to help you remember your wins, using salary ranges strategically, and why there is often more to negotiate than just base pay.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple Work Besties salary check-in you can use before your next interview, review, or offer conversation.

Learn more from Megan follow her at

Megan Applegate | Career Dev & Professional Branding Expert (@dreamjobahead) • Instagram photos and videos

Resume Writing Services - Executive Design for Professional Success – Career Blueprint Solutions

Megan Applegate, CPC | LinkedIn

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What does it really mean to know your worth?

In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Coy joins us for an honest and empowering conversation about self-worth, confidence, boundaries, and the inner work it takes to fully recognize your value.

Too often, people look for outside validation to define who they are. But true worth is not based on applause, titles, relationships, or approval from others. It comes from knowing who you are, what you bring, and what you deserve.

In EP 98, we explore how understanding your worth affects every area of life — from relationships and career choices to healing, growth, and the standards you set for yourself. This episode is a reminder that your value is not something you have to earn. It is something you have to believe, protect, and walk in.

If you’ve ever questioned yourself, played small, or accepted less than you deserve, this conversation is for you.

Listen now and be reminded to stand confidently in who you are.

Contact Dr Cynthia Coy

Linkedin

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

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Have you ever read the books, made the plan, and still frozen when it was finally time to ask for more?

In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Kornoely about why that happens — and why confidence around money usually does not grow in silence. We explore how women are taught not to talk about money, why information alone rarely turns into action, and how trusted community can change the way women price themselves, negotiate, and see their own value.

We also get practical. Jennifer shares how conversation helps women move from learning to action, how to think about market rate, why documenting your accomplishments matters, and what to do before asking for a raise or negotiating for more.

In this episode:

• Why so many women are still uncomfortable talking about money
• The “learning triangle” and why reading alone is not enough
• How community builds confidence, accountability, and action
• What trusted salary and rate conversations can actually sound like
• How to prepare before asking for a raise
• Why you need an accolades folder and a CYA folder
• One simple question to ask when someone is underpricing herself

If this conversation resonated, share it with a work bestie and start the money conversation this week.

Want to learn more or Join Jennifer's Book Club? Find details here https://www.shereadssheleads.com/

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband