1138: Breaking Free from the Invisible Norms that Limit Our Best Work with Nilofer Merchant

1138: Breaking Free from the Invisible Norms that Limit Our Best Work with Nilofer Merchant

Author: How to be Awesome at Your Job March 19, 2026 Duration: 41:18
Nilofer Merchant debunks some of the pervasive beliefs and practices that keep us from succeeding at work. — YOU’LL LEARN —  1) Striking examples of how hidden norms limit us 2) Why you owe it to yourself to play office politics 3) The mindset that creates more win-win solutions Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1138 for clickable versions of the links below.  — ABOUT NILOFER —  Nilofer Merchant spent over 25 years leading technology companies (Apple, Autodesk, GoLive/Adobe) and personally launched over 100 products and services, netting $18 billion in revenues. She is ranked among the top 50 influential management thinkers in the world (one of her TED Talks has been referenced 300 million times). Our Best Work is her 4th book. • Book: The New How: Creating Business Solutions Through Collaborative Strategy • Book: Our Best Work: Break Free from the 24 Invisible Norms That Limit Us • Website: NiloferMerchant.com — RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW —  • Book: Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver by Mary Oliver — THANK YOU SPONSORS! —  • Monarch.com. Get 50% off your first year on with the code AWESOME. • Vanguard. Give your clients consistent results year in and year out with vanguard.com/AUDIO • Shopify. Sign up for your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/better See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever feel like there's a gap between the work you're doing and the work you know you're capable of? That's the space where How to Be Awesome at Your Job lives. Hosted by Pete, this long-running podcast digs into the practical, often overlooked tactics that transform good performance into remarkable impact. Rather than abstract theory, each conversation with accomplished thought-leaders and results-getters focuses on extracting specific, actionable insights you can apply immediately. You'll hear real stories and candid advice that sharpen universal skills-like clear communication, strategic thinking, and effective collaboration-which are essential for any role that involves working with others and solving problems. With over 25 million downloads and recognition from places like The New York Times and Forbes, the podcast has become a trusted resource for professionals seeking more than just a checklist. It’s about cultivating a more fulfilling career, finding more meaning in your daily tasks, and yes, creating more wins and financial reward along the way. Tune in to discover how small shifts in approach can lead to significant gains in your performance, your well-being, and your overall enjoyment of the work you do.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

How to Be Awesome at Your Job
Podcast Episodes
1101: Navigating the Four Seasons of Leadership with Carolyn Dewar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:13
Carolyn Dewar shares insights from top CEOs on how to master each season of your leadership career. — YOU’LL LEARN — 1) How to avoid the nearly universal blind spot of leaders 2) How to thrive in any leadership role 3) H…
1097: Turning Conflict into Connection with Charles Duhigg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:30
Charles Duhigg reviews his communication techniques for finding common ground in any conflict. — YOU’LL LEARN — 1) The three-step looping method for making others feel heard 2) The secret principle for keeping conversati…
1096: How to Find More Humor and Fun at Work with Adam Christing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:11
Adam Christing discusses how anyone can use humor to connect and succeed at work. — YOU’LL LEARN — 1) Why humor matters at work 2) How to bring the fun—even if you aren’t funny 3) The five laugh languages Subscribe or vi…
1094: How to Make Any Team Great with Steven Gaffney [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:40
Steven Gaffney shares actionable insights from his latest study on the behaviors, mindsets, and practices of consistently high achieving teams. — YOU’LL LEARN — 1) The critical question that fosters accountability 2) How…
1093: How to Become Powerfully Likeable with Dr. Kate Mason [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:24
Kate Mason shares how to be both powerful AND well-liked. — YOU’LL LEARN — 1) The common phrases that undermine your influence 2) How to ask questions while boosting your credibility 3) How to overcome the fear of saying…