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Racial slurs in the workplace, managers who know nothing about your job, and organizations eliminating leadership positions – welcome to the wild world of modern work. In this eye-opening conversation, HR executive DeVaughn G. Stephens and host Natalie Parker pull back the curtain on what really happens behind closed doors in corporate America.

DeVaughn shares the shocking story of a boss who called him an "effing moolie" during his first professional HR role, revealing how this trial-by-fire experience taught him to manage his reactions and take ownership of his career development. Their discussion examines the critical moment when DeVaughn realized "the better this resume becomes, the better I have to become" – fundamentally changing his approach to professional growth.

Far from just war stories, this episode delivers actionable insights for anyone navigating difficult leadership. DeVaughn explains why documenting your accomplishments, knowing when to speak up, and recognizing when to leave are essential skills for workplace survival. The conversation explores the concerning trend of organizations flattening hierarchies and eliminating management positions, questioning how this impacts employee development and supervision.

Most powerfully, DeVaughn challenges listeners to take full responsibility for their professional journeys: "Your career is your career. It is not the organization's, it is not your manager's." He and Natalie examine why HR professionals often give excellent career advice while failing to apply the same wisdom to their own situations.

Whether you're dealing with a boss who can't take feedback, considering when to pull the ripcord on a toxic job, or simply trying to navigate workplace politics, this candid conversation provides the perspective and strategies you need to thrive despite challenging leadership.

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