Radical Candor: Communication at Work
Kim Scott, Jason Rosoff & Amy Sandler
Kim Scott, Jason Rosoff & Amy Sandler
Ready to love your job, crush your career goals, and become the kind of leader everyone actually wants to work with? Welcome to the Radical Candor podcast, where you'll learn how to kick ass at work without losing your humanity. Host Amy Sandler and Radical Candor co-founders Kim Scott and Jason Rosoff to break down how you can Care Personally and Challenge Directly — the deceptively simple but powerful formula for building stronger teams, giving (and getting) better feedback, and leading with heart and clarity. Each episode is packed with real talk, relatable stories, and actionable tips to help you do the best work of your life while building the best relationships of your career. Whether you’re a manager, a team player, or dreaming bigger for your future, this is the podcast that will change how you show up at work — and in life. P.S. Don’t forget to check out Kim Scott’s New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity! Want even more Radical Candor? Join the Radical Candor Community — free forever.
Dec 10
The early internet was built on big hopes—access, openness, connection, and the belief that technology could make the world fairer. In this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast , Kim & Jason are in conversation with Steven Levy. His recent article, “I thought I knew Silicon Valley. I was wrong.” , becomes the lens through which they revisit tech’s early promise and its reality today. They take an honest look at the optimism that shaped Silicon Valley’s early culture and how those ideals unraveled. Kim & Steven candidly share their unique perspective of how it feels to recognize the gap between what they believed and what actually happened as two people who had a front row seat. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, grounded, and honest conversation about how tech’s story was written—and rewritten—in real time, and what today’s leaders can learn from examining both intention and impact, this episode offers clarity and perspective you can apply right now. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: "I Thought I Knew Silicon Valley, I was Wrong" About Steven Levy Steven Levy's Newsletter Steven Levy's Books "Virtual Love" by Kim Scott "Enshittification" by Cory Doctorow "The Age of Extraction" by Tim Wu Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Bluesky Chapters: (00:00) Introduction Kim, Jason, and Steven set the stage for a reflective look at Silicon Valley’s promise and reality. (01:39) “I Thought I Knew Silicon Valley. I Was Wrong.” Steven shares what led him to write the article and how his perspective shifted. (03:38) From Idealism to Influence: When Tech’s Culture Shifted Exploring the moment Silicon Valley’s playful, rebellious spirit hardened into something more powerful—and less accountable. (06:30) Recalling the Internet We Hoped For Revisiting the early optimism that shaped the web and the disillusionment that followed. (12:27) The Claims of AI Examining the bold promises tech leaders make about AI—and why skepticism matters. (15:01) The Long Tail Early optimism about the internet’s potential to democratize opportunity. (16:56) Enshittification & The Age of Extraction Cory Doctorow’s framework, antitrust debates, and how market consolidation reshaped the online ecosystem. (20:05) Do a CEO’s Values Matter? A look at how leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos have evolved—and what that means for their companies. (24:37) What to Do When You Don’t Align With Your Company Reflecting on how to stay true to your values when the culture around you shifts. (29:36) Looking Back with Clearer Eyes Kim reckons with past choices, blind spots, and what accountability looks like now. (32:29) What Corrupted Silicon Valley When too much money and power are concentrated in too few hands. (33:56) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 3
How do you fix what’s not working without losing trust in the process? On this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast , Kim and Amy talk with beloved Harvard Business professor Frances Frei and her wife, CEO and bestselling author Anne Morriss , about why speed and care aren’t opposites — and how the right sequence of actions can help you go faster and strengthen relationships along the way. Anne and Frances break down the five-day framework behind their book Move Fast and Fix Things , share real stories from coaching leaders and teams, and explain why so many of us misdiagnose the problems we’re trying to solve. They also walk through their “trust triangle” — authenticity, logic, and empathy — and reveal how understanding your own “wobbles” can help you communicate more clearly, lead with confidence, and create momentum without leaving people behind. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast . Episode Links: Transcript Get a Copy of "Move Fast and Fix Things" Learn more about Anne & Frances Listen to the Fixable podcast Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Bluesky Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:49) The Why & Origins of Move Fast and Fix Things Frances and Anne explain how speed and care can work together. (05:03) Monday: Start by Diagnosing the Right Problem Why so many leaders fix the wrong thing—and how to avoid it. (07:38) The Velvet Coffin The Dangers of moving too slowly (12:55) How to Solve the Right Problem Approaches to use to get to the true problem (15:49) Coaching Effectively A real world story of getting to & solving the correct problem. (19:09) The Trust Triangle: Logic, Empathy, Authenticity How trust wobbles show up and what to do about them. (30:55) Wednesday, Thursday, Friday The remaining steps in the framework (32:09) Dealing with Bosses How to speak truth to power using the trust triangle and scripts (38:30) Scooby Snacks Examples of positive feedback (42:44) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 19
Difficult conversations don’t get easier by avoiding them—but they can get better when you prepare for them by getting curious. On this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast , Kim talks with Jeff Wetzler , author of ASK , about how staying curious helps us understand what others are really thinking and feeling. Jeff walks us through the curiosity curve and explains how to move into greater curiosity to reduce misunderstandings, deepen trust, and make space for more honest, helpful conversations—at work and at home. If you’ve ever faced a moment where you weren’t sure how to start, what to say, or how someone might react, this episode offers simple tools to help you connect with care and communicate with greater clarity. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com Episode Links: Transcript Jeff Wetzler Book | Ask Article | The Right Way To Prepare for High Stakes Conversations Jason Rosoff : Get Curious Not Furious | YouTube Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Bluesky Chapters: (00:00) Preparing for High Stakes Conversations Jeff and Kim chat about why curiosity is essential for high stakes conversations (03:17) The Curiosity Arc Jeff introduces the sections of the Arc (12:34) The Curiosity Check Checking in to see where you are and where you want to be (18:16) How to Move Along the Arc Jeff explains head, heart, and hand-based ways to move along the Arc (27:06) Letting Go The importance of exhaling and letting go of the agenda in leadership (31:34) Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Kim & Jeff discuss the use of DBT (32:43) Checking Someone Else’s Curiosity Level Jeff explains how to help others get curious (37:56) Curiosity and Candor Kim explores why curiosity is essential to candor (41:54) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 5
When it comes to making a real difference, being remarkable isn’t about fame or titles—it’s about how you show up for others and yourself. Kim and Amy are joined by Guy Kawasaki —chief evangelist at Canva, bestselling author, and host of the Remarkable People podcast—to talk about what it really means to be remarkable. Guy shares stories from his book Think Remarkable and reflects on how growth, grit, and grace can help us create meaningful work and stronger relationships. From learning to embrace imposter syndrome, to saying “yes” when opportunity knocks, to finding joy in unexpected places (like surfing and parenting), Guy offers practical guidance for anyone who wants to make a difference. Tune in and discover how to bring more meaning—and more remarkable moments—into your life. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com Episode Links: Transcript Guy Kawasaki Books | Guy Kawasaki Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People Podcast Think Remarkable | Guy Kawasaki Guy Kawasaki | Substack Is There Better Than Better | Ellen Langer Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck Mindset | Carol Dweck Kim Scott: The Power of Radical Respect and Candor | YouTube The Problem With Passion 3 | 9 | Radical Candor Beyond 'Sorry': How to Apologize and Mean It 6 | 22 | Radical Candor Remarkably Candid: Insights from Guy Kawasaki 6 | 31 Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Bluesky Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Amy and Kim introduce Guy Kawasaki, chief evangelist, author and host of the Remarkable People podcast. (00:03:02) Power of Saying Yes Guy discusses his “say yes" philosophy and its impact on his career. (00:06:54) What It Means to Be Remarkable What it means to be remarkable and how everyone can make a difference. (00:09:26) Being Remarkable with Jane Goodall The story of Jane Goodall writing his foreword and being on the podcast. (00:16:04) Growth Mindset & The Right Environment How the right environment is crucial for fostering a growth mindset. (00:20:59) Passion, Interests & Ikigai The value of exploration and interests over forced passion. (00:24:05) Get Interested in Your People Lessons from taking up kids’ interests and parallels to leadership. (00:29:43) Dealing with Stereotypes Personal experiences and learning to respond with humor or candor. (00:37:40) Bridging Viewpoints Understanding opposing perspectives by asking how instead of why. (00:42:02) Grace, Grit, & Growth Connecting with Stacey Abrams and her alignment with Guy’s book. (00:47:07) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Advice on recognizing and overcoming imposter syndrome. (00:53:45) Making Decisions Right Focus on making decisions right, not making the right decisions. (00:55:52) Lessons in Motivation A story about mistaken identity and unexpected sources of motivation. (01:00:40) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 15
How do you stay true to your values when the pressure’s on? On this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast , Kim and Jason talk with Robert Glazer , author of The Compass Within , about what it really means to live and lead by your core values. Robert shares how storytelling helps bring his framework for discovering and defining core values to life. Together, they explore how understanding what truly drives you can strengthen trust, simplify tough decisions, and help you authentically lead with care and conviction — even when it’s uncomfortable. If you’ve ever wondered how to find your direction, make confident choices, and lead without losing yourself , this conversation is your compass. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com Episode Links: Transcript Order The Compass Within Core Values Discovery Course The Six Core Values Questions Robert's Newsletter: Friday Forward Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Bluesky Chapters: (00:00) A New Chapter for Radical Candor Jason shares an update on the podcast’s new twice-a-month format (00:48) Meet Robert Glazer Kim and Jason introduce Robert, his book The Compass Within , and the idea of values as a leadership compass. (03:09) Why Values Matter Why defining your personal values is essential for authentic leadership and decision-making. (07:45) The Inverse Test How frustration and discomfort can reveal your true core values. (13:26) From Trust to Reliability Kim and Robert explore how words like “trust” and “integrity” mean different things—and why clarity matters. (21:30) The Six Questions Framework Robert shares his practical process for identifying and validating your core values. (27:22) The Cost of Integrity Kim reflects on a time when staying true to her values came at a cost—and why it was worth it. (41:20) Living Your Values Robert reveals his own core values and how they connect to Radical Candor’s idea of “respectful authenticity.” (49:12) Closing Reflections How knowing your compass—your values—can help you lead with clarity, care, and conviction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 8
Great films aren’t just about talent — they’re built on trust, clarity, and the kind of feedback that helps people grow. Kim and Amy talk with producer Adam Richman ( Gran Torino , The Burial ,) about Double Nickel's new film, Grow , and how Radical Candor can actually fuel creativity. Adam shares why flattening hierarchies strengthens collaboration, how constraints spark innovation, and why gratitude creates teams that thrive. He also reflects on the joy of making Grow , a family film full of heart, hope, and giant pumpkins — coming to theaters October 17th. If you want to create cultures where feedback is welcomed, relationships matter, and creativity flourishes, this conversation offers the inspiration to get started. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast . Episode Links: Transcript Grow the Film Grow the Film Grow Theme Song by KT Tunstall Adam Richman Double Nickel Entertainment Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Bluesky Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Amy introduce Adam Richman, producer of Gran Torino , The Burial , and Grow . (00:03:07) Radical Candor in Creative Work How caring personally and challenging directly helps creative teams thrive. (00:08:34) Why Constraints Fuel Innovation Adam shares how budget limits on Grow sparked better ideas. (00:14:09) Flattening Hierarchies in Hollywood Breaking down status walls on set to build stronger collaboration. (00:20:21) Mentorship & Leading with Kindness The role of mentorship and kindness in sustaining creative careers. (00:24:10) Cultivating a Culture with Intention Creating clarity and trust, and appreciation at every stage of production. (00:28:44) The Film-Making Process Adam explains the process of making Grow (00:34:15) Feedback & Collaboration How Radical Candor guides tough conversations and creative decisions. (00:39:13) The Importance of Setting the Table Lessons from Post-Production (00:44:51) The Joy of Grow Why this family film, out October 17th, is filled with hope and heart. (00:48:48) Music & Joyful Storytelling The story behind KT Tunstall’s theme song for Grow . (00:52:15) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 17
Chasing efficiency by flattening your organization can sound appealing, but true innovation and collaboration often thrive in a different kind of structure. Kim and Jason discuss how a thoughtful hierarchy — built on trust, clarity, and collaboration — helps teams do their best work. Drawing on lessons from Google, Apple, and Khan Academy, they share how empowered managers, clear decision-making, and open communication can transform the way organizations function. They also offer practical strategies for creating a collaboration hierarchy that supports managers, strengthens relationships, and gives great ideas the space to flourish. If you’re ready to build a culture where teams feel trusted, connected, and inspired, this conversation provides the helpful guidance you need to make it happen. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast . Episode Links: Transcript Middle Managers: Dinosaurs or Essential Glue? 7 | 4 Get Shit Done Step 4 — Push Decisions Into the Facts 4 | 10 Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Bluesky Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Jason introduce why “flat” organizations aren’t always as efficient as they seem. (00:01:56) The Myth of Flat Organizations Why fewer layers don’t automatically lead to better efficiency. (00:04:03) Why Companies Flatten Collaboration hierarchies versus command-and-control structures. (00:08:02) Reality of Managerial Capacity How having manageable spans of control can foster innovation. (00:12:44) Collaborative Hierarchies Examples of how thoughtful hierarchy supports entrepreneurship. (00:18:48) Decision-Making & Trust Building employee trust through transparent decision-making. (00:22:01) Avoiding Silent Failures The hidden risks when managers are overloaded and politics take over. (00:26:45) Democratizing Communication How open communication and collaboration beat rigid hierarchies. (00:29:31) Fixing Managerial Overload Practical strategies to maintain efficiency without burning out managers. (00:36:34) Radical Candor Tips Actionable tips to keep communication open and teams thriving. (00:38:02) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 10
When a company’s values don’t match its actions, the impact can be devastating. Kim and Amy speak with investigative journalist Gardiner Harris about his book, No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson . Harris uncovers how a company once seen as the gold standard of integrity used its famous “Credo” to build emotional trust while covering up harmful practices—from baby powder linked to cancer to its role in the opioid crisis. The conversation goes beyond one company, raising bigger questions about accountability, transparency, and the systems meant to keep us safe. It’s a candid look at how misplaced trust can cause lasting damage—and what it really takes to create a culture where honesty and responsibility come first. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast . Episode Links: Gardiner Harris No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson The Weekly | A Secret Opioid Memo That Could Have Slowed an Epidemic | The New York Times A Devastating New Exposé of Johnson & Johnson Indicts an Entire System | The New Republic The Johnson & Johnson Cancer Drug Scandal That Encapsulates Corruption In Health Care | STAT News J&J Is Back On The Legal Warpath After Striking Out In Baby Powder Bankruptcy | Reuters Antipsychotic Drugs and Nursing Home Residents: What Do the Different Numbers Mean? | Center for Medicare Advocacy Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth Physician Payments Sunshine Act (also known as the Open Payments program) Watch Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders | Netflix Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Bluesky Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Amy introduce Gardiner Harris, investigative journalist and author. (00:01:01) No More Tears Why Gardiner’s book hasn't been widely covered by the media. (00:07:35) Hidden Dangers of Products Overview of Johnson & Johnson’s vast range of dangerous products. (00:15:13) Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes How antipsychotics were pushed to sedate elderly patients. (00:16:58) Opioids & Corporate Responsibility The role Johnson & Johnson played in the opioid epidemic. (00:24:04) The Power of Branding & Emotional Trust The exploitation of emotional branding to avoid accountability. (00:27:28) Incentives, Conflicts, & Complicity How financial incentives corrupted doctors, researchers, and hospitals (00:39:12) Breaking Points & Speaking Up Stories about the individuals affected by Johnson & Johnson. (00:47:27) The Cult of the Credo How J&J weaponized its corporate credo to silence whistleblowers. (00:52:19) How J&J Got Away With It The ways J&J avoided accountability and hid decades of misconduct. (00:57:36) Tylenol, Safety, & the Illusion of Trust The FDA’s inability—or unwillingness—to enforce safety despite evidence. (01:03:29) Hope, Oversight & Individual Action How individual action and awareness can drive systemic change. (01:08:10) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
