Skip to main content
Spotify for Podcasters
Your 9AM

Your 9AM

By Adam Cockell

What would you do if this happened where you work?

Your 9AM is a podcast about the real-world challenges that come up with the people we work with. We explore difficult situations from every angle to empower you with the perspective to handle them with grace.

Co-hosted by Adam and Anna Cockell.
Available on
Spotify Logo
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Currently playing episode

When “culture” and performance aren’t aligned

Your 9AMMay 01, 2020

00:00
25:15
When “culture” and performance aren’t aligned

When “culture” and performance aren’t aligned

In today’s story, a person of color accepts an opportunity to join a different team with a new manager, but is pushed out after failing to embrace the team’s culture.  How important should “culture” be?  And what is the relationship between culture and performance? On the last episode of our first season, Anna and I talk about this experience with Teila Evans, a former ERG (Employee Resource Group) leader. For the full story, check out the newsletter.
May 01, 202025:15
When raising awareness for an “important social issue”

When raising awareness for an “important social issue”

In today’s story a company’s outreach team takes on gun violence in a neighboring poor, black community, ignoring warnings from an employee that the effort would be insensitive and careless.  Was there a better way for the company to make an impact?  And what would you have done if you were that employee? Featuring Karen Fleshman, founder of Racy Conversations. Check out the story in the newsletter here.
Apr 24, 202020:14
When it comes down to an ultimatum

When it comes down to an ultimatum

In today’s story a boss decides to renew a particularly difficult temporary employee’s contract, despite receiving an ultimatum from one of his full-time direct reports, who he asked for an opinion on multiple occasions. When would you make this type of demand?  And what if this weren’t a temporary employee?  Anna, Chris Doenlen, and I ask each other some thought-provoking questions in this podcast episode. For a copy of the full story, check out the newsletter.
Apr 17, 202023:23
When they aren't a priority

When they aren't a priority

In today's story, an attorney attempts to correct the boss's disregard for gender identity on multiple occasions, while representing clients for that exact problem.   How would you convince your manager to take pronouns more seriously?  And how long would you try? Featuring Rachel Ayers. For a copy of the full story, check out the newsletter.
Apr 10, 202020:45
When a dream promotion turns into a nightmare

When a dream promotion turns into a nightmare

In today’s story a woman that was previously overlooked for a promotion in a male-dominated department is finally offered the job, only to be met with hostility from the rest of the team.  Anna and I discuss this deceivingly simple story at length with Emily Grove, an employment attorney, on the podcast.   If you were that manager, would you seek help from senior management?  And what would you do with your rebellious team? For a copy of the full story, check out the newsletter.
Apr 03, 202028:59
When money is tight and there's no way around it

When money is tight and there's no way around it

Today’s story is about a difficult financial situation at work.  How do you keep employees engaged when money is tight?  And what can you do when your company's decisions impact your own finances. For a copy of the full story, and questions you should be asking yourself, check out the newsletter.
Mar 27, 202029:41
When you’re asked to help trim the fat

When you’re asked to help trim the fat

What do you do if your boss asks you to rate your peers for layoffs? And what would a better boss do? Check out the story in our newsletter.
Mar 13, 202020:43
When your future is tied to a revolving door

When your future is tied to a revolving door

What do you do if you’ve gone above and beyond your job responsibilities but your boss jumps ship and leaves your career in someone else’s hands?  Over and over.  Check out the story in our newsletter. Featuring Caitlin Hutcherson, Technical Program Manager at Optimizely.
Mar 06, 202011:28
When you’re not ready to talk

When you’re not ready to talk

In this week’s two-minute newsletter, we talk about how the "inclusive" practice of asking everyone to speak up in meetings can have unforeseen consequences.  Featuring Caitlin Hutcherson. Check out the story in our newsletter.
Feb 27, 202018:48
The old boys club might be right under your nose.

The old boys club might be right under your nose.

You might think the "old boys' club" is a thing of the past, but it hasn’t gone anywhere.  Featuring Teila Evans and Anna Cockell. Check out the story in our newsletter.
Feb 20, 202017:10
Focused on all the wrong things (part 1)

Focused on all the wrong things (part 1)

Here’s what's on the agenda today: a technical customer support engineer is held to a double standard by customers and her boss.  Featuring Susan Haynes and Anna Cockell.   Check out the story in our newsletter. 
Feb 13, 202017:07
Our first appointment

Our first appointment

Anna Cockell and Sara Cate Jones join me to discuss the first Your 9AM newsletter story about an engineering leader who walks by a meeting and notices an uncomfortable interaction involving two female team members and other leaders at the company.
Feb 06, 202021:33
Travis Bryant on Building Sales at Optimizely

Travis Bryant on Building Sales at Optimizely

Scenario: you're hired as the first VP at an ambitious startup with plans to help the world experiment with messaging. That's a big idea, but how do you set the company up for success? Travis Bryant, former sales SVP at Optimizely, discusses the importance of getting his hands dirty, and critically defining and championing the customer throughout the company.
May 10, 201950:05
Russ Thau on Optimizing the Customer Journey at Envoy

Russ Thau on Optimizing the Customer Journey at Envoy

Scenario: you've built sales teams at software companies before and join a trending startup to do just that, only to find out that everything is different. Russ Thau, VP of Revenue and Success at Envoy, discusses the importance of leading with an open mind, reinforcing values, and optimizing for the customer experience.
Mar 29, 201942:47
Adam Zimman on Starting Product and Partnerships at LaunchDarkly

Adam Zimman on Starting Product and Partnerships at LaunchDarkly

Scenario: you're head of product and your startup nails product market fit. What now? Adam Zimman, VP of Product and Platform at Launchdarkly, discusses his thoughts on partnerships, diversity, and leadership at a company that now serves over 200 billion feature flags daily.
Mar 15, 201940:60
Bobby Pinero on Scaling Finance at Intercom

Bobby Pinero on Scaling Finance at Intercom

Scenario: you're hired as the first finance person at a product-first startup that grows like wildfire. What's your first move? Bobby Pinero, Senior Director of Finance and Analytics at Intercom, discusses the lessons he learned as he helped intercom scale from 20 to 600+ employees.
Feb 25, 201945:11