11-12-2026 Self Responsibility - #4 People at Work11-12-2026 Self Responsibility - #4 People at Work
Levelheaded Talk
Dr. Andrea Vitz and Jon Leon Guerrero talk about self-responsibility and emotional sobriety at work, questioning how people show up with colleagues, bosses and clients. The conversation highlights unconscious family patterns, people-pleasing, and the need for honest self-awareness to create a healthier work life.
7:36•12 Nov 2026
Self-Responsibility at Work: Who Are You Really Being?
Episode Overview
- Question who you are being at work, including how you treat coworkers, bosses, clients and support staff.
- Notice patterns from your family of origin and how they may be replaying unconsciously in your professional behaviour.
- Watch for both harshness and people-pleasing, as either extreme can betray your own interests and integrity.
- Recognise that avoiding action in situations like sexual harassment can be a denial of your own self-worth and safety.
- Aim for a balanced, emotionally sober work life by regularly asking, "Who am I being right now?"
“We go to sleep and we get lazy. And we play a program.”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey at work? This chat between Dr. Andrea Vitz and Jon Leon Guerrero looks at emotional sobriety in the workplace, focusing on self-responsibility and how you show up with colleagues, clients, bosses and the "little guy" on the team. You’ll hear them ask blunt questions like, "Where are you full of crap?" and "Whose time are you wasting?" to push you to look honestly at your behaviour on the job.
Are you gossiping, slandering, procrastinating, or playing roles just to keep the peace? Or are you asking others to play roles in your story so you feel more comfortable? Jon brings in real-life examples from his work as a general contractor, talking about the different dynamics with clients, partners, inspectors, and people he mentors.
He highlights that even if you think you "work for yourself", there’s always someone you need to impress in a meaningful way – not superficially, but by showing you’ve done good, safe, responsible work. Andrea ties these work patterns back to childhood lessons and family dynamics. She explains that many people "run a programme" at work, unconsciously repeating how their parents or siblings behaved: "We go to sleep and we get lazy.
And we play a program." This can show up as being harsh and dismissive, or as being a people-pleaser who betrays their own interests, even in serious situations like sexual harassment. Instead of shame or guilt, the focus is on simple observation: "Who am I being?" with employees, superiors, clients, patients, and the janitor. The aim is a "nice, healthy, balanced work experience" where emotional sobriety guides your choices.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your behaviour at work truly matches your values, this conversation might be the nudge you need to take a closer look. Who are you really being from nine to five?
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