Words Matter

03/12/25 • 34 min

The way we define and communicate ideas—whether through common language, acronyms, or company-specific terms—shapes how we work together. Without a shared vocabulary, teams risk misalignment, confusion, and even chaos.

In this episode, we explore why shared understanding is foundational to navigating the messy middle. We’ll dig deeper into what the messy middle really means and why it deserves an entire podcast. When we can name and define the challenges we face, we gain the clarity needed to move forward—together.

Join us as we unpack the power of language, alignment, and shared meaning in the moments that matter most.

Join us as we unpack the power of language, alignment, and shared meaning in the moments that matter most.

Previous Episode

Welcome to The Messy Middle

The messy middle—it’s that chaotic, uncertain, sometimes frustrating space between where you started and where you want to be. It’s the part of the journey that rarely makes it into the highlight reel, but it’s where the real work happens.

In this first episode, we introduce The Messy Middle Matters and why this often-overlooked stage of work and life deserves more attention. We’ll share our experiences navigating the messy middle, what draws us to these conversations, and who we hope to highlight.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re in the thick of it with no clear way forward—this podcast is for you. Welcome to The Messy Middle Matters. Let’s dig in.

Next Episode

The Overdiagnosis of Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome is often framed as an internal struggle, but what if the real issue isn’t impostor syndrome, but something else?

In this episode, Indra and Amanda explore the fine line between impostor syndrome and the discomfort of learning something new.

They also share a real-life workplace experience where they initially thought they were battling self-doubt—only to uncover a deeper, systemic issue at play. They walk through how they gathered the right people, documented the challenge, and ultimately realized the problem wasn’t what it seemed.

Join us as we discuss the power of reframing workplace struggles and why caring for the collective leads to better outcomes for everyone.

Things mentioned in our episode: