Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.

Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Tuesday news round-up, workplace surgery, and expert take — all in one.

🔥 This Week’s Stories

📌 1. Locking In: Hustle Culture Gets a Makeover
A new TikTok trend called “locking in” is taking over Gen Z — and it’s not just about being productive. It’s about reclaiming power in a chaotic world. But behind the discipline? Burnout, financial fragility, and disengagement risks.
📰 Read more: Refinery29 – The Soft Life is Over — This Summer We're “Locking In”
👩‍🏫 Featuring commentary from behavioural economist Samantha Rosenberg and psychologist Dr Audrey Tang.

📌 2. Steve Jobs and the Case for Creative Rule-Breaking
Forget climbing the corporate ladder quietly. Jobs says: be a pirate. Al explores three “rules” creative minds should break — and why rigid systems might be killing your team's best ideas.
📰 Source: MyInnerCreative – 5 Rules Creative People Break (Inspired by Steve Jobs)

📌 3. Perfectionism and Burnout in Tech
New research from Amity University explores how perfectionism is fuelling burnout in top tech firms. The message? High quality can come at a high cost — and mental health policies alone aren’t cutting it.
📰 Study:https://ijip.in/articles/the-perfectionism/

🔥 Hot Take: First Impressions Are Everything, with Al Elliott
Why your terrible Zoom setup might be doing more damage than you think. Al breaks down the three essentials (video, audio, background) — and why looking like you care is more important than looking perfect.

💬 Workplace Surgery

❓ “Where’s a great place to work remotely and feel inspired again?”
A listener is craving nature, adventure, and a productivity boost. Al and Leanne share personal insights and practical ideas — from budget-friendly European hubs to lifestyle-friendly Asian stops.

❓ “Do I have to fake it to get promoted?”
When quiet, calm leadership is overlooked, is the only option to become louder? Leanne unpacks what the science says about introverted leadership and how to be seen without pretending.

❓ “What does purpose-driven leadership really look like in practice?”
Deadlines, politics, pressure — where does purpose fit in? Al and Leanne reflect on the reality of values-based leadership in complex roles.

🎧 Enjoying the show?
Follow, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen — and don’t forget to join us Thursday for another deep-dive with a workplace expert.

🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
– Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/

📬 Connect with Al & Leanne
– LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work
– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
– Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat