Podcast by Elyssa and Emily
19 May 2025
In this episode, we’re diving into the sun-soaked world of Summer Fridays—the ultimate workplace perk that lets you log off early and live your best life (or at least clean your apartment before your friends show up with a bottle of rosé). We break down the history of Summer Fridays, how they actually impact productivity, and—just like on Summer House—who gets to clock out early, and who’s stuck cleaning up the mess.
Are they a true step toward work-life balance, or just another illusion of flexibility dressed up in office-approved linen? Plus, we reveal our favorite ways to look busy while mentally packing for the Hamptons. So grab a Loverboy, fake a Zoom emergency, and press play on this week’s episode.
00:00
29:56
28 April 2025
In this episode, Girls That Excel is joined by Lina Osofsky from the Learned In Trivia podcast to explore the fascinating history and cultural impact of coffee in the workplace. They dive into how coffee evolved from a simple beverage to a vital part of office culture, influencing both productivity and social connections. Along the way, the hosts share their personal coffee rituals, bust some popular coffee myths, and sprinkle in fun trivia about the origins of coffee. The conversation wraps up with a lighthearted chat about the iconic figures they’d love to share a cup of coffee with, highlighting just how much coffee brings people together.
00:00
40:16
21 April 2025
In this episode, Elyssa and Emily debate the unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy. Elyssa advocates for the benefits of unlimited PTO, highlighting its flexibility and potential for improved work-life balance. Emily counters with skepticism, discussing the hidden downsides, including management control and the culture of guilt surrounding time off. They explore the implications of unlimited PTO on employee well-being, company finances, and workplace dynamics, ultimately questioning whether this policy truly benefits employees. In this conversation, Emily and Elyssa explore the complexities of unlimited PTO policies, discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks. They emphasize the importance of company culture and management in determining the effectiveness of such policies. The discussion also touches on the significance of financial security and the necessity of saving for unexpected situations. Finally, they highlight the value of career opportunities and the importance of making informed choices regarding job offers and PTO policies.
00:00
52:51
14 April 2025
In this episode, Emily and Elyssa discuss the romanticization of hustle culture, the societal pressures to work unpaid hours, and the impact of burnout on personal well-being. They share personal experiences, explore the difference between healthy hustle and exploitation, and provide insights on navigating internships and unpaid labor in the workforce. In this conversation, Elyssa and Emily explore the themes of work-life boundaries, the signs of burnout, the origins of hustle culture, and their personal motivations for hustling. They discuss the impact of toxic productivity on mental health, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for self-care. The conversation also delves into how past experiences shape current work habits and the societal pressures contributing to a relentless work ethic. In this conversation, Emily and Elyssa explore the complexities of hustle culture, discussing personal motivations for hard work, the costs associated with relentless ambition, and the importance of setting boundaries. They emphasize the need for rest and self-care as forms of resistance against societal pressures to constantly achieve. The discussion also touches on red flags in workplace culture and the necessity of redefining success to include balance and joy.
00:00
01:11:03
31 March 2025
This week, we’re joined by Gaston Seneza, a software engineer, entrepreneur, and global risk-taker who moved from Rwanda to Silicon Valley to chase his dreams. Gaston opens up about his bold moves, big failures, and how he found the courage to keep going when things didn’t work out. From his first startup to his latest role at Amazon Music, Gaston shares what it really takes to succeed in tech—and why failure might be your greatest teacher.
00:00
01:01:34
24 March 2025
Performance reviews: the corporate Hunger Games of adulting. In this episode of Girls That Excel, Emily and Elyssa break down The Good, The Bad, and The Awkward of performance evaluations—why they exist, how they work, and what you can do to walk away with the raise, not the dreaded PIP. We cover how to prep like a pro (hello, brag doc), why a perfect score isn’t the goal, and what outcomes you can expect—from promotions and pay bumps to... well, not-so-great endings. Plus, we put Thomas in the hot seat for a mock performance review—roommate edition. Spoiler: it gets messy!
Whether you’re heading into your first review or your tenth, we’ve got tips, stories, and advice to help you advocate for yourself and own the room.
00:00
01:25:54