“If something feels wrong, trust your gut.” – Brittany StevensIn this week’s episode, Carol Schultz sits down with employment attorney Brittany Stevens (Partner at Phillips & Associates) to unpack the realities of sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, and power dynamics—and what leaders can do to create workplaces where people feel safe speaking up.Brittany explains how harassment is defined under the law (and why it often differs from what people assume), why so many cases come down to evidence and “totality of circumstances,” and how fear of retaliation keeps employees silent—especially when the harasser holds power. They discuss what strong workplace policies and training should actually include, why some organizations make it hard to report, and how employees can protect themselves when a company is focused on protecting itself. The episode closes with practical guidance for both leaders and employees on building safer systems, documenting issues, and knowing when to seek confidential legal advice.TakeawaysSexual harassment isn’t always “obvious”—many cases are subtle and pattern-based.Legal definitions of harassment/discrimination vary across federal, state, and city laws.Power imbalances (boss vs. employee) make reporting feel risky and unsafe.Fear of retaliation is one of the biggest reasons people stay silent.Documentation and internal complaints can significantly strengthen a case.Many companies fail by not having clear reporting policies or trusted processes.Leaders must train managers not only on behavior—but on how to respond to complaints.Discrimination can happen anywhere—industry, company size, and role don’t matter.Some terminations get “hidden” behind restructuring or reductions in force.Consulting a law firm can be a confidential way to understand your options.Chapters00:00 Intro: The taboo topic—sexual harassment & workplace safety00:49 What Brittany’s firm does (employee-side discrimination law)02:19 Why the firm was founded & what motivates this work02:50 Defining harassment vs. what people think harassment is04:28 Harassment isn’t always sexual: hostile work environments & protected classes05:15 Evidence, documentation, and why cases are fact-dependent06:16 Power dynamics: why “just say no” isn’t realistic07:43 What victims can do when they fear repercussions08:25 Why policies and reporting systems often fail (or don’t exist)10:40 Vetting employers: red flags, lawsuits, and research before accepting jobs11:13 DEI changes and what may shift over time12:01 Discrimination happens everywhere (yes—even “good” companies)13:00 What leaders should do: training, reporting, investigations, real support15:54 Women vs. men: patterns Brittany sees in harassment and discrimination cases16:46 Disability/medical termination & “restructuring” as a cover18:35 How Phillips & Associates evolved and expanded over time20:05 Growth bottlenecks: why jurisdiction/laws matter21:21 Why expand into less employee-friendly states like Florida22:58 Client trust: the importance of fast support and connection23:54 Internal training: listening, empathy, and handling emotional calls26:10 Choosing a path: quiet resolution vs. litigation27:03 How to find the firm & their contingency model29:24 Final thoughts: protecting yourself when the company protects itselfConnect With Host Carol SchultzFind more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation,