Not Playing Along

Not Playing Along is a podcast about reversing absurd corporate (and cultural) dynamics.
<<Explore more on www.notplayingalong.com>>
Why do we normalize irrational behavior? Make up rules that don't make sense? Hurt each other (sometimes intentionally)?
Most of us assume this is just how professional environments operate.
But what if the problem isn’t the people at all?
Not Playing Along explores the hidden incentives shaping behavior inside professional environments — why they push people toward the very dynamics everyone hates, cost companies enormous results, and how changing them could unlock not just happier people, but far better business outcomes.
Submit your story, ask for help, or learn more at:
https://www.notplayingalong.com
Not Playing Along is a podcast about reversing absurd corporate (and cultural) dynamics.
<<Explore more on www.notplayingalong.com>>
Why do we normalize irrational behavior? Make up rules that don't make sense? Hurt each other (sometimes intentionally)?
Most of us assume this is just how professional environments operate.
But what if the problem isn’t the people at all?
Not Playing Along explores the hidden incentives shaping behavior inside professional environments — why they push people toward the very dynamics everyone hates, cost companies enormous results, and how changing them could unlock not just happier people, but far better business outcomes.
Submit your story, ask for help, or learn more at:
https://www.notplayingalong.com
Episodes
Episodes



May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026
29 min
If you’ve ever worked in a place where leaders seemed to be stuck in "ancient" times, rules didn't make sense, and the environment felt unnecessarily controlling — this episode will feel relatable. Most people think “toxic culture” comes from difficult personalities. But it’s actually driven by a system where people are rewarded for the wrong behaviors. The result? Micromanagement, arbitrary rules… colleagues "quietly quitting" and top talent quietly leaving. In this episode, we break down why these environments emerge, what they’re actually compensating for, and what would make great workplaces appear — almost instantly.
May 11, 2026
29 min



May 4, 2026
May 4, 2026
9 min
If you’ve ever been told — directly or indirectly — to dream smaller,this episode will close that gap.
Most people think ambition gets shut down because of ego or bad leadership.It’s not.
It’s driven by a system where leaders are rewarded for protecting their own status — not multiplying yours.
The result?Slower growth, stalled careers… and an invisible cap on company revenue.
In this episode, we break down why leaders quietly contain high performers, what it’s really costing companies, and what would make them obsessed with accelerating your ambition — overnight.
May 4, 2026
9 min



Apr 28, 2026
Apr 28, 2026
13 min
If you’ve ever worked with someone who used intimidation to get their way —this episode will close that gap.
Most people think workplace bullying is about personality.It’s not.
It’s driven by a system where confidence is mistaken for capability - and to some it feels safe to have those people run the show.
The result?Fear, silence… and decisions made by the least qualified person in the room.
In this episode, we break down why bullies rise at work, what they’re actually compensating for, and what would make that behavior disappear — overnight — while creating an actually MORE high-performing work environment, improved mental health, and a lot more money for the company.
Apr 28, 2026
13 min



Apr 20, 2026
Apr 20, 2026
15 min
If you’ve ever felt like someone was “nice”… but NOTHING EVER GOT DONE — this episode will close that gap.
Most people think missed deadlines and confusion at work are accidental.
They’re not.
They’re driven by a system where likeability protects people more than contribution does...
The result? Fog, repeated work… and millions in lost revenue.
In this episode, we break down why “nice” people get away with not delivering, what it’s really costing companies, and what would make them be OBSESSED WITH THE REVERSE — overnight.
Apr 20, 2026
15 min



Mar 31, 2026
Mar 31, 2026
12 min
If you’ve ever felt like someone was slowing everything down on purpose — this episode will close that gap. Most people think sabotage or withholding at work is personal. It’s not. It’s driven by a system that rewards being needed more than making progress. The result? Friction, missed opportunities… and millions in lost revenue. In this episode, we break down why peers and leaders withhold, what it’s really costing companies, and what would make it stop — overnight.
Mar 31, 2026
12 min



Mar 31, 2026
Mar 31, 2026
11 min
Surprising psychological truths about why people BEHAVE the way they do in meetings, what it’s really COSTING companies — and us — and what would make that change — OVERNIGHT. If you’ve ever thought, “that didn’t feel right — but no one said anything,” this episode will close that gap.
Mar 31, 2026
11 min



Mar 31, 2026
Mar 31, 2026
10 min
Most people think workplace dysfunction comes from difficult people.
It doesn’t.
The “normal” we’ve accepted at work REWARDS the wrong behavior - pulling everyone into politics, perception, and power games.
The result?
Massive amounts of attention wasted… and millions in lost revenue.
If you’ve ever thought, “something about this doesn’t make sense…”
this episode will put language to it.
Mar 31, 2026
10 min



Mar 23, 2026
Mar 23, 2026
8 min
Everyone plays along. This is what it costs.
In the first episode, Adri Delor introduces herself and the idea behind Not Playing Along. She shares how her experience inside corporate environments led her to question the behaviors we normalize at work - and why understanding the invisible incentives behind them matters more than we think.
Learn more, submit your story, or ask for help on the OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.notplayingalong.com
Mar 23, 2026
8 min





