Welcome to Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

Business Skills Episodes

June 23, 2025

Ask Christa! Why Organizational Structure Matters!! (S2E19)

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo discusses the strategic role of organizational structures in business success. She explores various organizational structures, explains how they directly impact employee and organizational performance, and how org structures impact decision-making and employee…

Listen to the Episode
June 19, 2025

Ask Christa! Does Management Training Matter? (S2E18)

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the critical importance of management training in today's workplace. She emphasizes that effective management is essential for organizational performance, team success, and employee retention, especially in matrix organizational struc…

Listen to the Episode
June 16, 2025

Ask Christa! How Do I Stop Putting Up with Bad Behavior (Put-Downs) a…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concern about dealing with a disrespectful coworker whose style is to put others down. She emphasizes the importance of respect and dignity, and the impact respect and dignity has on organizational performance. She discus…

Listen to the Episode
June 12, 2025

Ask Christa! Managing an Interrupting Boss (S2E16)

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenge of being interrupted by a manager during your team meetings—in front of your team. She explores the concept of an interrupting culture, the reasons behind interruptions, including excitement, poor listening skills, and po…

Listen to the Episode
June 9, 2025

Ask Christa! How to Give Feedback to a Defensive Team Member?? (S2E15)

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenges of giving feedback to defensive coworkers. She explores the reasons behind defensive behavior (including low self-esteem and past criticism), the importance of understanding it, and offers strategies for effectively providing feedback.…

Listen to the Episode
June 5, 2025

Ask Christa! How to Introduce a New Idea within a RIGID TEAM? (S2E14)

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about introducing new ideas in a resistant team environment. She explores the underlying reasons for resistance, particularly focusing on learned helplessness, and offers strategies for effectively pitching new i…

Listen to the Episode
June 2, 2025

Ask Christa! Season 1 Reflections: What if You Consider Yourself Firs…

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo wraps up the first season of her podcast by emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in navigating business challenges and workplace issues. She discusses how understanding our own needs and concerns can enhance our ability to influence, negotiate effectiv…

Listen to the Episode
May 29, 2025

Ask Christa! What if Failure Didn't Exist in the Business World?? (S1…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the concept of failure in the workplace, emphasizing that it is crucial to focus on learning and achieving goals rather than being weighed down by the fear of failure, and the importance of reframing our understanding of failure and su…

Listen to the Episode
May 22, 2025

Ask Christa! Strategy Series (3/3): How Do I Create Goals If There's …

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common challenge of creating goals aligned with a company's strategy, particularly when that strategy is, or corporate goals are, unclear. She discusses the importance of understanding corporate goals, the process of crafting and …

Listen to the Episode
May 15, 2025

Ask Christa! Strategy Series (1/3): What is STRATEGY?? (S1E8)

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the concept of strategy in organizations, emphasizing its importance in achieving goals and navigating uncertainties. She discusses the common misconceptions of strategy as well as how many small and mid-sized companies lack clear stra…

Listen to the Episode
May 12, 2025

Ask Christa! How Do I Raise My Freelance Rates (without chickening ou…

Summary In this conversation, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenges freelancers face when considering raising their rates. She emphasizes the importance of viewing oneself as a business, mindset, preparation, and effective communication strategies to navigate these discussions with clients. Christ…

Listen to the Episode
April 28, 2025

Ask Christa! Do All Startups Need Advisors? (S1E3)

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the critical role of advisors for early-stage startups. She emphasizes that all businesses, even those just starting out, can benefit from having advisors who provide honest and supportive assessments. Effective advisors help founders…

Listen to the Episode
April 20, 2025

Ask Christa! Forget About Inspiration-- Learn How to MOTIVATE!!! (S1E…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenge of inspiring a team when one lacks the energy to do so. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between inspiration and motivation, advocating for a shift in focus from being an inspirational leader…

Listen to the Episode