What if the very thing you’re hiding at work is actually the key to becoming a stronger, more trusted leader?

In this Cracking the Code mini-episode of Work Unscripted, Marlo Lyons breaks down how to show vulnerability and credibility at the same time that builds authority and influence. Because vulnerability in leadership doesn’t mean oversharing, emotional dumping, or losing control. It means leading with authenticity and competence.

In this quick, practical episode, you’ll learn:

• How vulnerability builds trust at work (and when it backfires)
• The difference between vulnerability vs. oversharing in leadership
• Three simple ways to demonstrate vulnerability while maintaining credibility
• How to admit what you don’t know without undermining your authority
• Why modeling boundaries is a powerful leadership skill

This episode is perfect for leaders, managers, and high performers who want to build trust, lead with confidence, and influence others, without sacrificing professionalism.

Short. Insightful. Real. That’s Cracking the Code.

Connect with Marlo Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
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Work Unscripted is produced by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.

Is your job actually a hostile work environment, or do you just have a terrible boss? In this eye-opening episode, employment law expert Nestor Barreiro joins Marlo Lyons to break down the real legal differences between discrimination, harassment, bullying, and a simply toxic workplace.

If you’ve ever wondered whether what you’re experiencing at work is illegal, retaliation, or just deeply unhealthy, this conversation is your roadmap.

You’ll learn:

• What legally qualifies as discrimination (and what doesn’t)
• How harassment is defined under federal law
• The difference between a toxic workplace and a hostile work environment
• Why bullying is rarely illegal, but still destructive
• How to document workplace behavior for HR or legal action
• What managers must do to avoid retaliation claims
• When to escalate, when to let it go, and when to negotiate your exit

Packed with real-world examples, actionable steps, and clear legal distinctions, this episode helps you decode what’s happening at work and what you can do next.

Connect with Marlo Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
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Work Unscripted is produced by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.

Ever received feedback with no examples, no clarity, and no idea what to do next?

Welcome to Part II of Marlo Lyons’ performance review series, where we break down one of the most frustrating workplace experiences: vague, cryptic, or confusing feedback.

In this solo episode, Marlo shares a deeply personal story of receiving unclear feedback that left her spiraling, second-guessing herself, and trying to decode meaning that no one could (or would) explain.

You’ll learn:

• What to do when feedback is vague, subjective, or impossible to interpret
• How to ask clarifying questions without sounding defensive
• Why “2% truth” is a powerful tool for self-reflection
• How to experiment with behavior changes using curiosity instead of shame
• Why vague feedback often says more about your manager than it does about you
• How to protect your self-worth when feedback feels unfair or inaccurate
• When to respond in writing, and when it’s better not to

Marlo also breaks down the difference between judgment vs. coaching, why leaders must give feedback like a map, not a mirror, and why high performers often get hit hardest by vague phrasing.

If you’re going through performance review season (or still recovering from one), this episode will help you navigate the emotional fallout while still learning, growing, and protecting your confidence.

Connect with Marlo Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
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Work Unscripted is produced by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.