Every January, professionals feel pressure to reinvent themselves: new goals, new habits, new versions of who they’re supposed to be. But what if the problem isn’t who you are… it’s how you’re trying to sustain momentum?

Managing up isn’t manipulation—it’s a leadership accelerator. In this episode, Stacey and O dive into what it really means to “manage up,” why it matters at every career stage, and how emotional intelligence turns it into a cornerstone of professional maturity. From anticipating your manager’s needs to co-creating clarity, managing up is one of the most overlooked power skills in today’s workplace.

Not every workplace challenge looks like burnout or quiet quitting. Sometimes it’s quieter, small cracks in energy, connection, and motivation that slowly spread beneath the surface. That’s quiet cracking. In this episode of the Business Meets Real Life™ Podcast, Stacey and OMC unpack what quiet cracking is, why it’s showing up more in 2025, and how leaders and professionals alike can respond. Leaders will walk away with a practical 5R Playbook to help teams reset and re-engage in just two weeks, while professionals gain tools to protect their energy, set boundaries, and reignite growth. This isn’t just about catching fractures, t’s about building stronger, healthier workplaces where people can thrive.

Stacey walks listeners through how the findings were delivered, how they made her feel, and the surprising validation she found in seeing her struggles reflected on a scan. She also reflects on the vulnerability of sitting on the other side of the desk as a mental health professional.

In this powerful premiere episode of Brain at Work, business psychologist Stacey Pitts Caldwell opens up about her decision to undergo a brain scan at the renowned Amen Clinics. Inspired after watching Dr. Daniel Amen on The Diary of a CEO, Stacey began to question how years of high-performance leadership, mounting stress, and the onset of perimenopause were affecting her brain health. With a deep commitment to personal insight and professional growth, she shares what led her to invest in a SPECT scan—a neuroimaging tool that maps brain function and blood flow. Stacey walks listeners through the comprehensive assessment process, which examines biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that shape well-being. The episode dives into how brain function influences leadership effectiveness, decision-making, and productivity—especially for high-achieving professionals. From addressing the price tag to exploring access and equity in mental health care, this episode sets the stage for a deeply personal and thought-provoking series. Whether you're a leader, coach, or simply brain-curious, Stacey’s journey challenges you to rethink what it really means to take care of your mind.

In this episode, we talk about the fascinating world of DiSC assessments—a tool that provides valuable insights into behavioral traits and how they shape our interactions at work. Stacey will share her knowledge, practical applications, and stories from the field that showcase how this tool can transform team dynamics, leadership, and personal growth.

In this episode, Desiree shares her inspiring career journey, highlighting key milestones and the challenges she’s overcome. She offers valuable professional and life advice, discusses the distinctions between agency and internal recruiters, and delves into her impactful Empower Her series. Tune in for insights on motivation, ethics, and achieving work-life balance.

In this episode, we discuss the multifaceted world of happy hour and its evolving role in modern workplace culture. We began by examining the differences in happy hour attendance between millennials and Gen Z, considering factors such as work-life balance and socialization preferences. Next, we explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on attitudes towards happy hour, discussing the shift to remote work and emerging trends in post-pandemic happy hour culture. We also gained insight into the unique perspective of Black professionals on happy hour, highlighting its significance as a networking opportunity and addressing potential barriers to participation. Addressing common misconceptions, we discussed the importance of happy hour beyond socializing and strategies for creating inclusive environments. Finally, we concluded with reflections on the importance of happy hour in today's workplace and an invitation for listeners to share their own experiences and perspectives.

In this episode, we delved into the critical relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and entrepreneurship, focusing specifically on the imperative of cultivating a culture that prioritizes emotional well-being within entrepreneurial communities. We underscored the significance of fostering such a culture, recognizing its profound impact on the success and sustainability of entrepreneurial ventures.

O.M. and Stacey discuss "Code Switching" in the work place. Why we code switch: does it make our coworkers feel comfortable or does it make us less comfortable in our skin. What can we do to be our authentic self.