In this episode, Kiana and Tara dive deep into the world of raises, breaking down the different types, how they work, and—most importantly—how to advocate for the raise you deserve. From merit-based increases and COLA (cost of living adjustments) to equity grants, spot bonuses, and promotion-related bumps, this episode offers practical advice, entertaining real-life stories, and a healthy dose of corporate reality. Learn how to track your contributions, recognize red flags, and navigate tricky conversations with confidence. If you've ever wondered when—or how—to ask for a raise, this one's for you.
💼 Key Takeaways:
🧠 Understand the Types of Raises: From merit and COLA to promotions, market adjustments, and stock-based compensation.
💰 Raises vs. Bonuses: Spot bonuses may feel rewarding, but they’re not the same as long-term pay increases—know the difference.
🧾 Paper Trail = Power: Track your accomplishments and quantify your contributions to build a strong case.
🔥 Red Flags to Watch: Vague promises, stalled conversations, no transparency, and promotion with no raise.
📊 Advocate Like a Pro: The right time to ask for a raise is when you’ve earned it—not when someone hands it to you.
🗣️ Boss POV: Get insight from Kiana’s leadership experience—what works, what backfires, and what not to do.
🚨 Game the System: Raises aren’t just about merit—they're about timing, relationships, and playing smart within company politics.
If you're navigating career growth, performance reviews, or simply tired of the pizza-party compensation culture, this episode helps you take control of your paycheck trajectory.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Raises
01:06 Types of Raises
04:01 Forms of Raises
07:06 How to Get a Raise
15:06 Manager's Perspective on Raises
20:13 Economic Factors and Raises
30:34 Advocating for Yourself
32:56 Unexpected Raises and Career Growth
33:48 Corporate Priorities and Compensation
34:08 Advocating for Non-Monetary Compensation
34:42 Misconception: Cost of Living Adjustments
35:50 Negotiation Tactics and Knowing Your Worth
38:54 Red Flags in Raise Discussions
52:09 The Importance of Transparency in Pay
58:54 Conclusion and Next Steps
In this episode of How to Survive Your Boss, Kiana and Tara dive deep into the world of performance reviews — what they are, why they matter, and how to navigate them without losing your sanity. Whether you’re dreading your first annual review or questioning the quality of feedback from your manager, this episode breaks down the different types, formats, and red flags to watch for. From real-life horror stories to actionable advice on self-advocacy and documentation, Kiana shares everything you need to protect your career, build a brag file, and survive even the shadiest of managers. If you've ever walked out of a review confused, frustrated, or gaslit — this one’s for you.
💡 Key Takeaways:
📋 Understand the purpose and structure of performance reviews — from self-assessments to 360 feedback.
🛠️ Different formats exist: written, scorecard, narrative, and binary — know what your company uses.
🚩 Major red flags to look out for: vague feedback, moving goalposts, no documentation, or all criticism with zero recognition.
🧠 Shift your mindset: Keeping your head down won’t get you noticed. Self-advocacy and visibility are essential.
📝 Create a brag file — track wins weekly to make performance reviews (and resume writing!) way easier.
🗣️ Not all feedback is created equal — only internalize input from people you respect or want to emulate.
🧨 Toxic reviews say more about the company than they do about you — assess the culture too.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Performance Reviews
01:13 Purpose and Importance of Performance Reviews
02:18 Types of Performance Reviews
08:47 Formats and Methods of Performance Reviews
20:50 Common Misconceptions about Performance Reviews
27:37 Reflecting on Work Experiences and Feedback
28:12 Understanding Relevant Feedback
30:43 Handling Performance Reviews
33:05 Identifying Red Flags in Feedback
46:17 Concluding Thoughts on Performance Reviews
In this episode, Kiana and Tara dive deep into the nuanced world of taking time off from work. From standard paid time off (PTO) to legally protected leaves like FMLA and disability leave, they explore the many options available to employees. Kiana brings in her experience as a team leader to explain the boss’s point of view, shares practical steps on how to take time off responsibly, and highlights the cultural and legal differences across companies and countries. The episode also addresses common misconceptions, red flags in toxic work environments, and the evolving mindset around mental health, burnout, and boundaries in the workplace.
Whether you're negotiating a new job offer or unsure how to use your unlimited PTO without guilt, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take the break you deserve.
✨ Key Takeaways:
🏖️ Types of Time Off: Standard PTO, sick leave, holidays, floating holidays, sabbaticals, bereavement, and medical/mental health leave.
⚖️ Legally Protected Leave: FMLA, jury duty, disability leave, and paid family leave depending on your state.
💼 Policy Insights: Accrued vs. front-loaded PTO, unlimited PTO culture, and how to avoid giving away your unpaid vacation.
🧠 Boss POV: How managers think about time off and why good communication is key.
🚩 Red Flags: Guilt-tripping managers, retaliatory behavior post-PTO, or “unlimited PTO” that no one actually uses.
🧘♀️ Mental Health Matters: Don’t wait for burnout—PTO is part of your compensation, not a luxury.
📆 Planning Tips: Start with your employee handbook, notify your manager, block your calendar, and prep a handoff doc.
🌍 Global Perspective: Europe’s PTO culture vs. US standards—why it might be time to consider a move!
TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Time Off
00:56 Types of Paid Time Off
01:19 Vacation and Sick Days
03:54 Personal and Floating Holidays
05:49 Legally Protected Leave
06:20 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
07:06 Paid Family Leave and Jury Duty
08:19 Military Leave and Leave of Absence
10:18 Disability and Medical Leave
13:39 Mental Health Leave
14:19 Life Event Specific Leave
15:31 PTO Policies and Accrual
17:19 Unlimited PTO and Banked PTO
21:53 Requesting Time Off
25:19 Submitting Your PTO Request
25:39 Preparing for Time Off
27:39 Types of Leave: Bereavement, Paternity, and Sabbatical
29:51 Boss's Perspective on PTO
33:38 Misconceptions About Taking Time Off
40:32 Red Flags When Taking Time Off
47:30 Conclusion: Time Off is a Right, Not a Privilege
In this episode, Kiana and Tara explore the vital role one-on-one meetings play in professional development and team communication. They break down what these meetings should look like, how to prepare for them, common misconceptions, and red flags to watch out for. Whether you're a new employee or a seasoned professional, this conversation will help you take charge of your one-on-ones and make them work for you.Key Takeaways:
Purpose of One-on-Ones: These meetings are private, dedicated time with your manager to discuss progress, challenges, feedback, career goals, and workplace concerns.
Types of One-on-Ones
Regular check-ins (weekly, biweekly, or monthly)
Performance reviews
Career development discussions
Feedback sessions
Project-based updates
How to Lead the Meeting
Come prepared with an agenda and discussion topics
Share accomplishments and advocate for your needs
Send follow-up notes to document feedback and action items
Mentality Shift
Use this time to talk about your growth—not just status updates
Remember: your manager isn’t a mind reader—clearly express your needs and goals
Red Flags to Watch For
Frequent cancellations without reason
Meetings focused only on status updates
No discussion of your growth or development
Manager dominates the conversation or offers only negative feedback
Dismissal of concerns, gaslighting, or boundary violations
No mention of promotions, raises, or long-term goals
Pro Tip: Where legally allowed, record or transcribe your one-on-ones to keep a clear record of discussions and commitments.TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to One-on-Ones00:44 Understanding the Purpose of One-on-Ones01:27 Common Issues with One-on-Ones03:40 Different Types of One-on-Ones07:27 Standard One-on-One Formats10:42 Boss's Perspective on One-on-Ones17:01 Maximizing Your One-on-One Meetings25:10 The Wrong Mentality in One-on-Ones26:52 Taking Control of Your One-on-One Meetings28:40 Preparing for Effective One-on-Ones31:22 Red Flags in One-on-Ones35:24 Handling Gaslighting and Toxic Environments48:06 Concluding Thoughts on One-on-Ones
In this episode, host Kiana and her sister Tara dive into the often confusing—and sometimes deceptive—process of onboarding at a new job. They break down what onboarding really entails, the different types of onboarding, and how to spot early red flags in a company’s culture. Whether you’re starting your first job or navigating a corporate role, this episode provides actionable insights to help you make the most of your onboarding experience—and avoid toxic workplaces.
Onboarding is a trial period for both you and the company. The first 90 days are critical for assessing fit—don’t ignore red flags just because you're excited about the job.
Formal vs. Informal — Structured training vs. learning through experience.
Tactical vs. Strategic — Administrative tasks vs. culture immersion and long-term growth.
Cohort-Based vs. Individual — Group training (common in corporate roles) vs. role-specific onboarding.
Horizontal vs. Vertical — Broad company exposure vs. deep dive into your department.
Onboarding is a prime opportunity to build allies across departments. These connections can support you later in your career.
Red Flags in Onboarding:
Disorganized or nonexistent onboarding
Lack of role clarity or bait-and-switch job descriptions
Unrealistic workloads or no work at all (poor management)
Difficulty accessing resources or key people (dysfunction)
High turnover and disengaged employees (toxic culture)
No work-life balance (e.g., bosses ignoring boundaries)
Negative or manipulative leadership (e.g., blame-shifting, gaslighting)
Resistance to feedback or questions (lack of investment in your success)
Onboarding reveals a company’s true culture. If they can’t onboard you well, they likely won’t support your long-term growth.
Stay skeptical. The onboarding “honeymoon phase” can mask problems—keep evaluating if the job aligns with your goals.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Onboarding
00:15 Welcome to the Podcast
00:49 Understanding Onboarding Basics
03:25 Phases of Onboarding
13:30 Types of Onboarding
22:00 Boss's Perspective on Onboarding
25:42 Corporate Meetings and Their Purpose
26:20 The Importance of Mentality in Onboarding
26:52 Common Misconceptions About Onboarding
27:36 Networking During Onboarding
29:49 Onboarding as a Mutual Evaluation Period
32:45 Red Flags in Onboarding
35:50 The Impact of Poor Onboarding
38:28 Telltale Signs of a Dysfunctional Company
48:31 Concluding Thoughts on Onboarding
Kiana and Tara delve into the interview process from the other side of the table, exploring the perspective of the hiring manager and highlighting crucial red flags for job seekers to watch out for. They discuss why many bosses find interviewing challenging and offer valuable insights into making a positive and memorable impression. This is the second and final part of their deep dive into interviews.
Key Takeaways:
Bosses often dislike conducting interviews, similar to how candidates feel about being interviewed.
Managers often form an initial impression of a candidate very quickly, sometimes within the first five minutes.
It's essential to recognize potential red flags during the interview process that might indicate a negative work environment. (While the specific red flags aren't detailed in this snippet, the episode emphasizes their importance.)
Interviewers are also trying to determine if a candidate is a good fit, just as the candidate is evaluating the company.
Preparing authentic and memorable stories and examples is crucial for standing out to interviewers who may be speaking with numerous candidates.
Tailoring your "tell me about yourself" answer with genuine and unique details can make a significant impact.
Asking thoughtful and informed questions about the company and the manager demonstrates your engagement and helps you assess if the opportunity is right for you.
Approaching the interview as a conversation can make the experience more positive for both the interviewer and the interviewee.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote
00:20 Welcome to Part Two: Interview Insights
00:31 The Boss's Perspective on Interviews
02:55 Memorable Interview Moments
07:17 Mentality Check: Interviews as First Dates
07:52 Misconceptions About Job Interviews
15:38 Researching the Company and Manager
25:09 Identifying Red Flags in Interviews
26:11 Disorganization and Unpreparedness
27:15 Vague Work Expectations
28:36 Team Turnover and Negative Talk
30:16 Overpromising and Overtime Expectations
32:44 Gratitude and Hard to Work For
33:56 Handling Interruptions and Success Metrics
35:10 Company Culture and Inappropriate Questions
36:40 Passive Aggression and Immediate Job Offers
38:32 Work-Life Balance and Gut Instincts
40:08 Reverse Interview Questions
50:11 Final Thoughts and Key Highlights
Kiana kicks off season one with her sister Tara, who is navigating the early stages of her career. In this first part of their discussion, they delve into the crucial topic of job interviews. Kiana shares insights and experiences, highlighting that understanding the interview process is the first step in navigating workplace dynamics, even before you land the job. They begin by breaking down the fundamental types of interviews.
Key Takeaways:
There are two main types of interviews: structured interviews with predefined questions and unstructured interviews that are more conversational.
The typical interview process includes application submission (resume, cover letter, portfolio), internal screening (often automated using AI and applicant tracking systems), a phone screening with HR, an interview with the hiring manager, and potentially further interviews.
After the final interview, there are reference checks, background screenings, and then the offer and negotiation stage.
It's important to take time to consider an offer and to negotiate your salary.
Common interview formats include phone interviews, one-on-one interviews (often via Zoom), panel interviews, behavioral interviews, technical interviews, group interviews, and pre-recorded/AI-driven interviews.
Preparing a good elevator pitch is essential, as is being ready to discuss your resume.
This is part 1 of the episode. Tune in for the second part to hear more insights and tips on navigating the job interview process!
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Corporate Survival
00:26 Welcome to the Podcast
01:20 Types of Interviews
02:32 Application Process
04:47 Screening and Phone Interviews
08:29 Interview with Hiring Manager
10:32 Offer and Negotiation
14:07 Common Interview Styles
15:57 Behavioral and Technical Interviews
18:49 Group and AI-Driven Interviews
22:35 Preparing for Interview Questions
28:11 Handling Expired Coupons: A Retail Dilemma
29:44 Interview Feedback: Demonstrating Independence
31:58 Behavioral Questions and the STAR Method
32:30 Situational Questions: Real-Life Scenarios
33:37 Technical and Job-Specific Questions
35:19 Cultural Fit and Personality Questions
41:47 Salary Expectations and Negotiations
50:44 Reverse Interview Questions: Evaluating the Company
In this episode, Kiana introduces her new podcast, How to Survive Your Boss. She shares her personal journey through toxic work environments and explains why she’s passionate about helping others navigate corporate politics. She discusses how bad leadership impacts mental health, why people stay in toxic jobs, and her mission to break the cycle of workplace dysfunction by providing the knowledge many don’t receive through traditional education.
What You’ll Learn:
No one prepares you for navigating difficult bosses—colleges don’t teach it, HR won’t warn you, and experienced workers often gatekeep this knowledge
Your career success depends heavily on your boss, not just your hard work
Bad bosses can significantly damage your mental and physical health
We often stay in toxic jobs because we normalize dysfunction, are conditioned to be grateful for employment, or believe we’re the problem
Corporate culture frequently shifts blame downward, making employees question themselves rather than recognizing systemic issues
Privileged knowledge about workplace navigation creates significant inequality in career opportunities
Younger generations are rejecting toxic workplace practices, creating friction with established corporate cultures
Trust between companies and employees has eroded, leading to job-hopping every two years becoming normalized
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Unspoken Truth About Surviving Your Boss
00:11 The Harsh Realities of Corporate Life
01:39 Why This Podcast Exists
02:48 Meet Your Host: Kiana
05:00 The Importance of Managing Your Boss
05:51 The Impact of Bad Bosses on Mental Health
09:15 Why We Stay in Toxic Jobs
15:33 Breaking the Cycle of Toxic Workplaces
19:49 The Privilege of Knowledge and Mentorship
23:51 Generational Shifts in Workplace Mentality
25:44 The Evolving Corporate Landscape
28:08 What to Expect in Season One