Making Friends at Work, Leading Better, and *that* $55k Scandal
Apparently work friendships are on the decline, my quick take on the $55k job posting that set the internet on fire, a really great leadership resource roundup + more.
Is anyone else feeling incredibly low energy right now? Just me? It must be a case of the end of summer glums.
Anyway, I’m back with my biweekly roundup of what I’ve been reading, listening to, and quietly obsessing over. I curate these letters because it’s fun; the content that I include here makes me think or teaches me something new and I hope it does the same for you too.
This week features links from Fast Company,
, , , and the 9-5ish podcast. It’s a short one, hope you enjoy your holiday weekend!!Total read time: <6 mins.
My Open Tabs
→ THE ARTICLES I CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT THIS WEEK
#1: No One Has Work Friends Anymore (Fast Company)
The internet loves to remind us that “your coworkers are not your friends”. That’s a lie. My best jobs were the ones where I’ve made lifelong friends. The jobs where I wasn’t interested in making friends were “just jobs” and, quite frankly, downright miserable.The angle that’s more interesting to me is how remote and hybrid work setups have changed the landscape of connection. Making friends (or building connections) at work requires much more intentionality. And for leaders and companies, that means designing for culture instead of assuming it will happen organically on its own.
#2: 100 Leadership Resources - Quotes, Podcasts, Newsletters, and much much more (
)When I’m looking for a dependable leadership resource, I often feel like Goldilocks:
It’s either too conceptual (it’s not focused on execution/action)
Too broad (it’s watered down to be applicable to the average person’s experience)
Too…unhinged (the person is not qualified to be giving the advice they are lol)
Rarely is it just right. What I especially liked about Allison’s list is that she curates useful resources for people who are already operating at a high level. So much leadership content assumes you’re starting from scratch—which leaves a true gap for people trying to level up. Personally, I’ve found that high achievers need tools, examples, and perspectives they can actually apply. This list delivers that. Bookmark it. You might end up starting your own “leadership library” from it.
#3 & 4: There’s Drama On The Internet
This week the internet taught me that you can be out of touch in a good way (Becca Bloom and her upcoming wedding) or you can be out of touch in a very bad way (Recho and her $55k job w/ no benefits scandal). If you’re not up to speed, Recho Omondi is host of the insanely popular fashion podcast On the Cutting Room Floor (my personal fave interviews: Law Roach and Steve Madden). She usually goes viral for her interviews, not scandals. This piece by
captures the fall out perfectly.From a leadership perspective, nothing sets people off faster than a mismatch between comp and role expectations. People leave jobs every day because they feel underpaid and, in this economy, hiring managers can be dragged on the internet for paying low wages. The circle of (professional) life.
#5: Phoebe Gates on Proving Herself Beyond Her Family Name
I really enjoyed the conversation. Phoebe waxes poetic about Gen Z tropes in mainstream culture, what it means to be a Gates (and how it’s shaped her - she managed to do this without sounding out of touch), and what it was like raising money and founding her own thing. Good stuff.
My Newsletter
→ IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: THIS WEEK’S NEWSLETTER
September is coming up, which means that it’s officially back to school/work/real life season. If part of your re-entry into the grind involves advocating for a raise or promotion, you’ll want to read Monday’s newsletter.
I tested out opening up career advice slots this week and they booked up immediately. Maybe I’ll run them again in the future.
From my browser to yours.
Ashley
Totally agree on making friends at work, some of my long time best friends used to be my coworkers. We all went separate ways but still in touch and I love it! When I moved to the US last year, I was warned that it wouldn’t be same here but hey I made some great friends here too! It’s all about intention🩷