281. ”I was the adult at Facebook”, with FB’s #57 employee & author Tom LeNoble

2026-03-05

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Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning workplace podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture, brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. This week, we are joined by the "adult in the room" from the early days of Facebook, Tom LeNoble. Tom has led in boardrooms and fought for his life in hospital rooms, surviving multiple life-threatening illnesses. From shaping growth at Facebook (META), Walmart.com, Palm (HP), and MCI (Verizon) to now serving as CEO of the Academy for Coaching Excellence and a leadership coach with...

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning workplace podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture, brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.

This week, we are joined by the "adult in the room" from the early days of Facebook, Tom LeNoble. Tom has led in boardrooms and fought for his life in hospital rooms, surviving multiple life-threatening illnesses. From shaping growth at Facebook (META), Walmart.com, Palm (HP), and MCI (Verizon) to now serving as CEO of the Academy for Coaching Excellence and a leadership coach with Santa Clara University’s Miller Center for Global Impact, Tom helps others navigate adversity with courage and clarity.

In his best-selling book, My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns, and High Heels, Tom shares unflinching lessons on risk, resilience, and reinvention.

🔥 What we cover in this episode:

The Early Days of Facebook: What it was like interviewing with a 19-year-old Mark Zuckerberg in a tiny office above a Chinese restaurant.
The Secret Struggle: How Tom managed a high-octane Silicon Valley career while being given six months to live—three separate times.
Leading Through Crisis: The philosophy of laying off 100 people (and eventually himself) with dignity and a "head held high" approach.
The Philanthropic Mindset: Why philanthropy isn't about the size of the check, but the intention behind a simple "hello."
The Story of Rita Dayworth: Reclaiming all parts of your identity, from executive suits to high heels.

📚 About Tom LeNoble

Tom’s book is available on Amazon, and you can learn more by visiting www.tomlenoble.com. Follow @lenoble.tom on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

You can also reach out to Tom directly at resilience@tomlenoble.com.

📬 Connect with Al & Leanne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🧠 Mental health support+1

UK & ROI — Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org
UK — Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk
US — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org
Australia — Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au
Global helplines: https://findahelpline.com