Kim vs. Kim: Human vs. AI on Workplace Cultural Differences 7 | 28
People in the U.S. get fewer days off than folks in Europe, and most of us still feel guilty taking them. Kim and Amy dive headfirst into a viral Reddit post that reads like a love letter to European work-life sanity (and a roast of U.S. grind culture). From vanishing vacations to broken healthcare, Kim reflects on what she’s learned leading teams, taking parental leave, and watching her inbox balloon on every trip. They dig into the messy reality of “unlimited PTO,” why burnout can’t be yoga’d away, and how leaders can build workplaces that actually honor rest. Plus, Kim reacts live to advice on this problem from her own Google Portrait—an AI that Kim helped design with Google to tackle workplace BS when real Kim is off the clock. It’s part cultural reckoning, part vacation manifesto, and 100% Radical Candor.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Kim Scott Portrait From Google Labs | Radical Candor
Kim Scott’s Portrait | Google Labs
Try My Google Portrait | YouTube
Humanizing AI: Meet the Kim Scott Google Portrait | Radical Candor Podcast 7 | 27
Radical Candor, Real-Time With Google's AI Portraits | YouTube
As a European, The U.S. Work Culture Looks Like Dystopia With Better Branding: r/antiwork
European Employee Blasts US Work Culture in Viral Post: 'Dystopia' | Newsweek
What Is The Lazy Girl Job Trend And Why Should You Care? | Radical Candor
A Brief History: Universal Health Care Efforts in the US | PNHP
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Amy introduce a viral Reddit thread comparing U.S. and European work cultures.
(00:03:01) Personal Vacation Needs
How vacation needs differ based on individual rhythms and roles.
(00:06:43) Unlimited Time Off – Does It Work?
The pitfalls of unlimited PTO and whether it discourages actual rest.
(00:10:29) Healthcare History & Economic Impact
How employer-tied health coverage burdens both people and businesses.
(00:14:53) Cultural Mindsets, AI & Policy Gaps
The need for government mandates to help protect overall wellbeing.
(00:20:28) Leading with Compassion in Organizations
The role of leadership in building burnout-resistant workplace cultures.
(00:24:25) Centeredness Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
How forced wellness fails and support must be personalized.
(00:26:36) Introducing Kim’s Google Portrait
The motivation behind Radical Candor AI and Google Portraits.
(00:31:47) Human vs. Portrait Kim
Kim reacts to her Portrait’s response to the Reddit thread.
(00:35:04) Radical Candor as a Solution
The Portrait outlines how Radical Candor helps challenge toxic norms.
(00:37:30) Portraits as Scalable Empathy
Amy shares her own impressive interaction with the Portrait.
(00:39:41) Radical Candor Tips
Tips to support wellbeing and long-term, human-centered success.
(00:41:43) Judging Work Styles & Power Dynamics
The influence leaders have on working preferences and email etiquette.
(00:44:23) Conclusion
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48:29
Humanizing AI: Meet the Kim Scott Google Portrait 7 | 27
Most leaders learn on the fly—and Kim knows the bruises that come with it. In this episode she joins longtime Google Distinguished Designer Ryan Germick to discuss the innovative "Kim Scott Portrait," an AI-powered tool designed by Google Labs (and trained by the real Kim) to scale Kim's expertise and deliver Radically Candid advice 24/7. Discover how this new technology aims to humanize AI, free authors from the burden of answering repetitive questions, and foster more productive communication in the workplace.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Now You Can Talk Radical Candor 24/7 With the Kim Scott Portrait
Google Portrait | Kim Scott
Ryan Germick - Google | LinkedIn
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Ryan Germick introduce the “Portrait” collaboration—an AI version of Kim designed to scale her coaching.
(00:01:33) Live Coaching Demo
Kim’s Portrait answers a tough management question.
(00:03:36) Why the Portrait Matters
How the Portrait helps Kim reach more people and free up time for writing.
(00:05:38) Kim’s Next Book
A look into Kim’s upcoming optimistic novel set in 2070.
(00:06:30) Family Interactions with the Portrait
Funny and revealing story of Kim’s son debating the AI.
(00:08:10) The “Automated Kim” Origin Story
How a team joke at Google inspired the Portrait concept.
(00:09:29) Coaching at Scale
Why books and AI scale Kim’s message better than 1:1 coaching.
(00:11:41) Personalized vs Generic AI
The value of expert-driven Portraits over average LLM responses.
(00:12:57) Training the Portrait
Kim explains her hands-on role in fine-tuning its responses.
(00:14:44) Solving Repetitive Questions
How Portraits provide patient, consistent answers to FAQs.
(00:16:07) Productive Disagreement Through Portraits
The vision for AI-facilitated, respectful debates.
(00:17:26) Expanding Globally
Plans for multi-language and international Portrait availability.
(00:17:48) Real-World Use Cases
The ways Portraits support work, life, and social media decisions.
(00:20:23) Empathy-Driven AI
AI as a personal board of directors, with lived-experience expertise.
(00:23:51) Empowering Creators
Portraits can be embedded on creators’ own platforms—no lock-in.
(00:26:19) Lived Experience as Research
Kim defends storytelling as a valid path to truth and insight.
(00:28:24) Supporting New Managers
Portraits offer guidance during the lonely transition into leadership.
(00:31:11) Navigating Difficult Bosses
Portraits can help employees manage up with empathy and agency.
(00:33:30) Changing Workplace Culture
Helping people shift from silence or aggression to Radical Candor.
(00:36:17) Personality Extenders
Portraits as scalable human touchpoints for the future.
(00:38:51) Creating Your Own Portrait
How to create your own Portrait and scale your voice.
(00:39:48) Conclusion
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43:53
Andrew Palmer: How to Lead Without Losing Your Mind 7 | 26
Being a boss is hard—and most people are thrown into it with zero training and a vague job description. Kim and Jason are joined by Andrew Palmer—yes, that Andrew Palmer from The Economist’s “Bartleby” column and host of the Boss Class podcast—for a wide-ranging, no-BS conversation about what leadership looks like when it’s done well…and when it’s not. Together, they dig into the hilarious, maddening, and meaningful realities of modern management: from the awkward feedback moments and the myth of the “natural leader,” to power corruption and the poetry-prose balance of real leadership. Andrew brings the receipts (read: research), and together they swap tips on blocking your calendar like a boss, making your expectations explicit, and the underrated power of writing things down (including what not to do). This isn’t about chasing the latest leadership trend—it’s about holding on to the stuff that actually helps people thrive at work. Whether you're a seasoned manager, a team player, or simply trying not to lose your mind in a sea of emails, this one’s for you.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links
Transcript
Andrew Palmer
Managing Is Hard—Here’s What Actually Helps | Radical Respect LinkedIn
Boss Class podcast
Bartleby | The Economist
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
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43:41
Navigating the Nuances of Tone in Feedback 7 | 25
Ever tried giving someone feedback about their tone…without sounding like the tone police? This episode was sparked by a listener wrestling with just that—and let’s be real, it’s something we’ve all tripped over. Join Kim and Jason as they dive into the messy, nuanced world of tone: why it matters, how to talk about it without getting judgmental, and what to do when someone’s words are technically fine but their delivery leaves the room on edge. Using the CORE framework—Context, Observation, Result, and Expected next steps—they break down how to be specific about what happened, how it landed, and how to move forward without sounding accusatory or vague. Tune in to hear Kim and Jason unpack real-life examples, share the coaching that worked (and what didn’t), and explore how bias, culture, and identity play into how tone is received. Bonus: Kim gets personal about a recent experience that reminded her why kindness and courage matter—on and off the mic.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links
Transcript
The Evil Translator & The Fundamental Attribution Error | Radical Candor Podcast 7 | 21
How To Measure Feedback | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 41
The Word Police | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 25
The Importance Of Communication In The Workplace | Radical Candor
8 Ways To Fix Communication Issues In The Workplace | Radical Candor
Are You Giving Biased Feedback? 5 Ways To Overcome Protective Hesitation | Radical Candor
How To Give Candid Feedback With the Radical Candor CORE Method
Radical Candor Community: CORE Course
Radical Respect Newsletter
Textio
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Jason introduce a listener’s question about addressing tone with CORE.
(00:02:51) When “Technically Fine” Still Feels Off
How misinterpretations and sensitivities around tone impact teams.
(00:03:54) Observing vs. Interpreting Tone
Avoiding misattributions by observing, not just interpreting.
(00:06:39) Shifting from “You Statements” to “I Statements”
Using reactions to provide grounded, less judgmental feedback.
(00:07:30) Using Impact to Shift Perspective
How describing the impact of tone keeps the conversation constructive.
(00:08:51) Coaching Through Goals, Not Emotions
A story about using feedback to overcome sounding arrogant.
(00:11:42) Reframing CORE to Match Your Audience
Using CORE to focus on tangible outcomes, not just feelings.
(00:13:57) What Not to Do: Avoiding Coded Language
The biased undertones certain words like "shrill" or "aggressive" carry.
(00:16:22) Be Specific: Volume, Pace, Tension
Being specific when giving feedback about tone delivery.
(00:18:00) Extending Grace
Giving the benefit of the doubt when something lands poorly.
(00:20:10) Praise When They Get It Right
The positive impact of giving feedback when tone lands well.
(00:22:03) Handling Tone in Public Meetings
When to react in real time and when it’s better to follow up privately.
(00:24:16) Breaking the False Harmony in the Room
A story about addressing passive-aggressive tension in a meeting.
(00:27:43) Private Inquiry or Public Repair
A story about how Google’s CEO gracefully handled a tone misstep.
(00:29:41) Radical Candor Tips
Practical tips on how to give feedback on tone.
(00:31:27) ICE Deportation & Bearing Witness
A story about a beloved community member deported by ICE.
(00:34:25) The Danger of Secret Cruelty
The dehumanization of silent suffering and concealed harm.
(00:37:05) This Isn’t a One-Off: It’s Systemic
Broader systemic issues and how routine cruelty has become normalized.
(00:39:49) There’s Still Hope: Do the Right Thing
The Radical Candor mission to care personally and challenge directly.
(00:41:16) Conclusion
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45:54
Becoming a Not-So-Secretly Candid Leader with Chloé van Bergen 7 | 24
Fun fact: this episode exists thanks to a few pints and a little Radical Candor in the wild. Our audio engineer Nick met today’s guest, Chloé van Bergen, VP of Operations at Secretly Group, at his brother’s stag do. One loud London pub and an honest conversation later—we knew we had to get her on the show. Join Kim and Amy for a candid conversation with Chloé about what it really takes to lead change inside a legacy-driven music company. She gets real about navigating unionization, confronting indifference, and learning—sometimes the hard way—that being “nice” isn’t the same as being kind. From UK-style politeness to Dutch directness, Chloé shares what worked (and what didn’t) when rolling out Radical Candor across continents. Spoiler: no sugarcoating here — just straight up kind and clear.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Chloé van Bergen | LinkedIn
Nick Carissimi
Secretly Group
Secretly Canadian | Info
Granny Alice
Avoid The Feedback Sandwich | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 15
Toxic Positivity | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 27
Navigating Radical Candor and Cultural Differences
How To Navigate Feedback Conversations On Diverse Teams | Radical Candor
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect | Will Guidara
Scaling People: Tactics for Management and Company Building | Claire Hughes Johnson
Pivot: Eight Principles for Transforming your Business in a Time of Disruption | Will Page
Secretly Group: Workers at Indie-Music Company Begin Efforts to Unionize | Rolling Stone
Secretly Group Union Earns Contract In Major Milestone for Indie Music Organizing | Rolling Stone
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Amy introduce Chloé van Bergen, VP of Operations at Secretly Group.
(00:01:04) From Stag Do to Podcast Guest
How a chance meeting at a UK pub led to Chloé joining the show.
(00:05:25) What Is Secretly Group?
The structure, history, and collaborative ethos of Secretly Group.
(00:09:05) Discovering Radical Candor
Being introduced to Radical Candor and the mindset shift it inspired.
(00:10:42) Struggling with Direct Feedback
Using Radical Candor to move past the fear of being too blunt.
(00:12:43) Giving Feedback Across Borders
Navigating cultural differences in feedback styles across countries.
(00:17:25) Practicing Vulnerability Through Action
Building confidence by starting to speak up, one moment at a time.
(00:20:07) Pandemic Leadership & Operational Overhaul
Navigating starting during COVID and legacy infrastructures.
(00:25:13) Rockstar vs. Superstar: Rethinking Growth
Learning not everyone wants to climb—some excel where they are.
(00:29:50) Unionization During COVID
How a union announcement led to a company-wide listening reset.
(00:34:57) Adapting to AI & Industry Shifts
Staying open by staying honest—even without having all the answers.
(00:36:28) Kind ≠ Nice: Facing Hard Truths
How kindness isn’t niceness—and can slow down change.
(00:39:33) Chloé’s Radical Candor Tip
Having the courage to say the thing, even if it feels uncomfortable.
(00:42:46) Conclusion
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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.
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