Breaking Free from "Fiat" Workplaces: A Dialogue on True Connection and Communication
Joanna Staniszewska
Beyond campaigns and narratives, I foster dialogue that drives transformation. With a global lens and entrepreneurial mindset, I help leaders aligning communication with purpose so growth emerges authentically.
Inspired by: Radical World Podcast, Episode with Jose Leal & me.
Thank you, Carlos P. for making it happen.
In a recent episode of the Radical World podcast, I sat down with Jose Leal to discuss a new path forward in how we connect, communicate, and collaborate at work. Together, we unpacked the differences between conventional “fiat” workplaces and what an authentic, balanced work culture could look like. Below, I’ve shared some of the insights that shaped our conversation, from Jose’s perspective on system structures to my thoughts on cultivating conscious communication.
Understanding the “Fiat” Model: A Legacy of Hierarchical Control Jose introduced the “fiat” model—a term he and his co-founder Matt Perez coined to describe today’s top-down work environments, inherited from centuries-old systems. The “fiat” approach is rooted in a command-and-control mentality, treating employees as resources rather than as autonomous contributors. According to Jose, this system’s rigidity leaves little room for genuine human connection and creates workplaces where collaboration is more about conformity than creativity.
From Jose’s Lens: “In fiat organizations, people give up their freedom and autonomy in exchange for a salary, becoming ‘subjects’ to the hierarchy rather than contributors to a shared purpose.”
My Take: Authentic Communication as a Pathway to Connection Communication has always fascinated me—not just the words we use but how we communicate from a place of awareness and intention. I shared with Jose that I believe conscious communication is key to forming meaningful relationships at work. In my view, every conversation is an opportunity to build trust, empathy, and understanding. But, as Jose and I discussed, in fiat organizations, employees are often too guarded to have these open, impactful interactions.
From My Lens: “To foster true connection, we must be present, not only in our words but in the way we listen and engage. Conscious communication is about recognizing our shared humanity, beyond titles and roles.”
Breaking the Cycle: Moving from Hierarchy to Shared Ownership We explored how moving beyond fiat structures involves creating environments that empower individuals to co-own and co-manage their work, encouraging true collaboration. Jose emphasized that breaking out of the fiat model means not only changing the structure but also nurturing a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves.
From Jose’s Lens: “Self-management isn’t just about individual autonomy; it’s about fostering a community where people feel responsible for each other and the collective success of the organization.”
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Bridging Intention and Connection A significant theme in our conversation was the gap between intention and connection. We discussed how leaders can empower teams by creating spaces that encourage dialogue, where employees feel seen and heard.
From My Lens: “The first step is awareness—being conscious of how our words and actions impact others. By bridging intention with connection, we can create workplaces where people thrive, not just work.”
A Call for Playfulness and Presence One of the most enlightening parts of our discussion was Jose’s point about the importance of playfulness. Work has become so “serious” that we often forget to enjoy it. I couldn’t agree more! Infusing playfulness and presence into our daily routines could drastically change our relationship with work.
From Jose’s Lens: “We’ve abandoned play because work is seen as serious. But genuine human interactions and connections come from joy, spontaneity, and trust.”
Looking Ahead This conversation with Jose has strengthened my belief in the power of conscious communication. The challenge is clear: while the fiat model remains deeply embedded, there is hope. Through intentional dialogue and by nurturing environments of trust and autonomy, we can cultivate a workspace that celebrates human potential rather than limits it.
Watch the Full Episode: If this resonates with you, watch/listen our full conversation on, and join us on this journey toward a more connected, purposeful work environment.
YouTube ?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4s4llIHkKI
Hylo ?? https://lnkd.in/d-TWv3ke
Mastodon ?? https://lnkd.in/dbee3Byq
Website ?? https://lnkd.in/d3jFjEfx