In this episode of America’s Employee Handbook, host Dani Sterbinsky unpacks the inner workings of global alliances by comparing U.S. government strategies to corporate operations at "AmeriCo." With a conversational and slightly left-leaning tone, Dani explores the dynamics of NATO defense spending and the impact of tariffs on North American trade, revealing how decisions in high-level policy can affect everything from national security to your local grocery bill. The discussion also delves into the intriguing Mar‑a‑Lago accord theory, a speculative yet thought-provoking idea that questions how coordinated economic strategies might reshape the global financial system. Interweaving insights from Industrial-Organizational Psychology and real-world examples, this episode invites listeners to research, share personal experiences, and reflect on how civic duty and informed dialogue are key to sustaining effective partnerships.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of America’s Employee Handbook—your onboarding session to the corporate jungle that is our government. In this deep-dive episode, host Dani Sterbinsky—veteran, certified HR professional, and IO Psychology expert—explores how leadership styles shape policy and impact our daily lives. Using the U.S. government as a massive corporation called “AmeriCo,” Dani examines President Trump’s second-term approach through industrial-organizational psychology. From the authoritarian shockwave of Schedule F and its implications for federal employees to the transactional rigor of immigration enforcement and the charismatic, populist maneuvers on the international stage, this episode unpacks how these leadership tactics can drive rapid change—at a potential cost. Please tune in to discover how research-backed insights can help us understand and influence the organization we call home. Join the conversation and share your perspective on what it would take to lead AmeriCo effectively!

References:

• Awan, S. (2024). Charismatic leadership and employee engagement in the pharmaceutical sector. Journal of Leadership Studies, 12(3), 45–60.
• Barling, J., Dupré, K., & Kelloway, E. K. (2022). Leadership and turnover: The role of workplace climate. Journal of Applied Psychology, 107(1), 45–59.
• Chang, Y., & Wang, M. (2020). Transactional leadership: A double-edged sword in high-pressure environments. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 41(2), 215–230.
• Zhang, X., Liao, J., & Li, Y. (2021). The impact of authoritarian leadership on employee creativity and turnover. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 678910.
• FedScoop. (2025). Trump restores Schedule F via executive order. Retrieved from https://fedscoop.com/trump-restores-schedule-f-via-executive-order/
• Politico. (2025). Trump withdraws from Paris Climate Agreement. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/20/trump-withdraws-paris-climate-agreement-00199385