Welcome to ”Out Of The Office”, a podcast exploring the lessons learned from the hit TV show, The US Office, on creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Join host Sara Chandran to delve into the world of Dunder Mifflin and examine the different characters and scenarios presented throughout the series. We will analyse how the show highlights the importance of respecting diversity, fostering inclusivity, and creating a positive work environment.
Disability justice advocate Lauren Goldberg explores how ableism shows up in the workplace and provides actionable insights for championing disability inclusion with confidence and care.
11 Dec 2024
Email Surveillance + Workplace Boundaries
Andreea Vihristencu, people operations enthusiast, dissects Michael Scott's boundary-crossing attempts in 'The Office' to uncover lessons in trust, empathy, and leadership for a healthier workplace culture.
27 Nov 2024
Sexual Harassment
Sara sits down with Dr. Enya Doyle, a London-based anti-harassment consultant, to explore how to transform workplaces from awkwardly tolerated spaces to truly supportive environments by fostering genuine respect, trust, and accountability.
20 Nov 2024
Hot Girl | Beauty Bias
Sara and Dimitra Dimitropoulou dissect Michael Scott's cringeworthy behavior in 'Hot Girl,' exposing workplace objectification, unconscious bias, and the pressures of beauty standards.
13 Nov 2024
Benihana Christmas
In this episode of Out of the Office, Sara sits down with inclusive event expert Cass Briscoe to unpack the do’s and don’ts of workplace socials, using The Office’s “Benihana Christmas” episode as the perfect backdrop.
From Angela’s iron-fist party planning to the real impact of leadership buy-in, Cass breaks down how to create events where everyone feels welcome. Whether it’s designing events that cater to all or gathering the right feedback, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you make your next work social a win for everyone.
About Cass
An ex-Workplace Experience Lead and Head of Vibes, Cass has designed award-winning office spaces, created collaborative and inclusive team events, launched DE&I initiatives, and navigated companies through lockdown and the pivot to remote work, hybrid work, and beyond.
She now works with an array of clients on a freelance basis, helping ensure that workplaces and events represent all of the people that they bring together. She has organised offsites, staff socials, conferences, festivals, client parties, and other events across the globe for and with a wide range of clients including Women In Tech SEO, Sky, Channel 4, and Cleo.
Connect with Cass on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/cassbriscoe
Follow Cass on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soft_work_society/
6 Nov 2024
Frame Toby
In this episode of Out of the Office, Sara sits down with Dee, founder of We Are Colourfull, to explore the real role of HR and how it’s often misunderstood.
Together, they unpack the iconic Michael-Toby dynamic from The Office and share insights on why HR is critical to creating inclusive, thriving workplaces. Dee offers his unique perspective on how HR can support both business goals and employee well-being, plus practical tips for leaders on involving HR early for maximum impact.
Dee (he/him) is the founder of we are colourfull - a consultancy and media platform that aims to increase visibility and the inclusion of the LGBTQ community and People of Colour in the workplace as well as wider society - using data, storytelling and design thinking. Prior to this, Dee held HR Leadership roles in creative organisations inc. the BBC, Net-A-Porter and Girl Effect.
Follow Dee on: IG: wearecolourfull LinkedIn: deepakjas
30 Oct 2024
Print in all Colors
In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Tashan to break down The Office’s “Print in All Colors” diversity program from Season 6, Episode 23.
Together, we explore what it really takes to create inclusive work environments that go beyond surface-level fixes. Tashan shares insights on the power of intentional language, why diversity programs often fall short, and how to embrace the discomfort of tough conversations around race and identity.
If you’re ready to rethink your approach to inclusivity and get practical tips to bring back to your workplace, this episode is for you. Let’s make change happen—together.
Tashan is a leadership coach, speaker, performer and workshop facilitator who specialises in empowering underserved entrepreneurs and professionals to discover and embody their personal leadership and vision. Tashan is an ICF Member and Certified coach with a diploma in Life and Performance Coaching from The Coaching Academy. With a decade of experience in the Data, Statistics and analytics world of advertising and media industry, most recently a leadership role as an Analytics Director, Tashan brings a data-driven approach to their work.
Tashan is also passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and is actively involved in advocacy groups such as Outvertising, All-In working group, NoTurningBack2020 & Black Representation in Marketing (BRiM). Tashan also serves as a trustee for 'You Make it', a charity that helps young unemployed and underemployed women from Black and Asian backgrounds. Tashan draws from their unique perspective as a Black and Queer individual and is dedicated to empowering diverse communities through their work.
Follow Tashan:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/relytecoaching/
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashan-nicholas-3151a3a0/
3 Apr 2024
EP07 - Grief Counselling
We're focusing on Season 3, Episode 4, Grief Counselling in this episode. Michael Scott is overcome with grief when he learns about the death of his former boss, Ed Truck. Michael spends the rest of the day attempting grief counselling for the rest of the team.
The wonderful DeMario Bell joins us to talk about all things grief, in and outside the workplace. We unpack the difficulty of experiencing loss, especially at work, which can be met with clinical, formulaic responses and policies.
Listen in as DeMario and I unpack our experiences navigating grief and how people have supported us.
27 Mar 2024
EP06 - Gay Witch Hunt
In this episode, we unpack the uncomfortable and potentially triggering episode, 'Gay Witch Hunt' (Season 3, Episode 1) with the fabulous Whitney Simon.
We discuss how the manager, Michael Scott, creates a hostile environment for Oscar after discovering the character is gay. During our conversation, we unpack the power of 'letting in' vs 'coming out' and the intersectionality of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In addition, we chat about the importance of using correct language and terminology to foster workplace cultures where people feel like they belong and can be their true selves.
Follow us on Instagram: Fresh and Fearless UK (https://www.instagram.com/freshandfearless_uk/)
Follow us on LinkedIn: Fresh and Fearless (https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-and-fearless-consultancy)
Get in touch: info@freshandfearless.uk
(www.freshandfearless.uk)
20 Mar 2024
EP05 - The Dundies
In this episode, we unpack the cringe-fest of an episode, ‘The Dundies’ (Season 2, Episode 1), with the wonderful Nick Warner. We talk about how it falls short of boosting employee morale despite Michael Scott’s best attempts to create an engaging employee awards ceremony.
We unpack why it’s so important to tailor recognition to individuals; otherwise, generic awards can create a disconnect between managers and employees. In the episode, we also discuss the role of clear communication and regular feedback in building trust, enhancing teamwork, and driving employee development.
Follow us on Instagram: Fresh and Fearless UK (https://www.instagram.com/freshandfearless_uk/)
Follow us on LinkedIn: Fresh and Fearless (https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-and-fearless-consultancy)
Get in touch: info@freshandfearless.uk
(www.freshandfearless.uk)
13 Mar 2024
EP04 - Boys and Girls
This episode examines ‘Boys and Girls’ (Season 2, Episode 21) of The Office (US). While Jan tries to empower the women of Dunder Mifflin, Michael has very different ideas about the boys and warehouse workers. In this episode, we have HUGE fan and talent acquisition manager Natalie Winterton-Whitfield to talk about workplace dynamics, shedding light on issues like boy's clubs and mentorships.
Tune in as we discuss Michael Scott's insecurities and unravel the impact of exclusionary behaviours on individuals and teams. From Jan's women in the workplace initiative to Michael's misguided attempts at camaraderie in the warehouse, we analyse the ramifications of gender stereotypes and discriminatory practices. With candid discussions and insightful commentary, we highlight the importance of allyship and advocacy in creating a more equitable workplace.
Natalie offers valuable insights into the differences between mentorship and sponsorship, emphasising the need for genuine support and opportunities for professional growth.
6 Mar 2024
EP03 - Diversity Day
In this episode, we unpack the unbelievable episode of The US Office, ‘Diversity Day’ (Season 1, Episode 2). It’s packed full of blunders, stereotypes and outrageously non-inclusive behaviours. And who better to talk about this episode than Asha Harkness, Founder of Indigo Inclusion?
Asha (She/Her) is a proud queer, brown, neurodivergent woman, equity strategist, public speaker and trainer. We discuss how Michael Scott’s misguided attempts to promote diversity lead to uncomfortable awkwardness and a much-needed wake-up call.
Get ready to explore the infamous episode in the podcast and learn how best to deliver diversity training with sensitivity, understanding and zero awkwardness.
28 Feb 2024
EP02 - Conflict Resolution
Join us to unpack the hilarious but challenging episode of The US Office, 'Conflict Resolution' (Season 2, Episode 21). This week's special guest is Silvia Bogan, an organisational psychologist passionate about tackling inequality.
We discussed the importance of psychological safety and psychological standing in the workplace. The value of healthy conflict between team members and how to ensure these disagreements are handled in the appropriate way.
20 Feb 2024
EP01 - The Merger
Join us as we unpack the catastrophic episode of The US Office, ‘The Merger, ’ with extra special guest Sharn Aujla-Osborne, Head of People at a dynamic Health-Tech scale-up.
We uncover how, despite Michael Scott’s best intentions, he reinforces a ‘them’ vs ‘us’ dynamic when attempting to include Stamford into the Scranton branch.
Listen in as we talk about ways to encourage engagement through leadership that you can implement when your business is undergoing significant change, like a merger.
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