The Modern Manager

Most onboarding plans focus on helping new hires feel welcome and settled in their role. But the real purpose of onboarding isn't orientation; it's creating clarity before misunderstandings become habits and before small mistakes turn into difficult performance conversations. In this episode, I explain why the success or struggles you see three months after someone joins your team are often determined before they even start. You'll learn the difference between orientation and onboarding, why unclear expectations quietly undermine great hires, and the three things every manager should define during the first 30 days. You'll also discover how AI can help you build a practical onboarding plan in less time, why documenting your team's unwritten rules matters more than you think, and how to reset expectations if someone has already been in the role for weeks or even months. By the end of this episode, you'll have a simple framework for creating onboarding plans that build confidence, prevent unnecessary feedback conversations, and help new employees succeed from day one. Conversation Topics (00:00) Why the real onboarding work begins after a candidate accepts the offer(01:56) Orientation vs. onboarding: the difference most managers miss(03:45) Why unclear expectations create future performance problems(06:13) Step #1: Define what success looks like at 30, 60, and 90 days(07:18) Step #2: Teach the unwritten rules that every team follows(08:49) Step #3: Explain how to work effectively with you as a manager(09:41) How AI can help you build a stronger onboarding plan in minutes(10:18) [Extended Only] How to re-onboard an employee when things aren't going as planned (11:44) [Extended Only] A simple conversation that resets expectations without creating defensiveness (13:00) [Extended Only] Why a "fresh start" can rebuild confidence and improve performance  📚 Additional Resources ✨ Read the transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1it3sq2F1DMg7SaFcJY68HAbo9Kxgi2Pz_nvEYLBNwKg/edit?usp=sharing ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨ Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨ Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Join my newsletter to get episodes delivered directly to your inbox: https://www.themoddernmanager.com The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode! #Leadership #Management #Onboarding #NewManager #PeopleManagement #EmployeeOnboarding #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagementSkills #FutureOfWork #TheModernManager

Most managers know they should spend more time thinking strategically. The problem is that strategy often gets crowded out by urgent tasks, endless decisions, and the pressure to solve today's problems. But strategic thinking isn't just about setting long-term goals. It's about creating the space to explore possibilities, challenge assumptions, and help your team think beyond what's immediately in front of them. Fortunately, this week's guest shares a practical approach to developing strategic thinking, creating compelling visions of the future, and leading conversations that generate better ideas rather than rushing to premature solutions. Howard Teibel is the founder of Teibel Education and an expert in leadership development, organizational strategy, and team effectiveness. For decades, he has helped leaders and organizations build cultures where people communicate more effectively, think more strategically, and navigate change with greater confidence. In this conversation, we discuss why strategic thinking is often misunderstood, how leaders can create a compelling vision that inspires action, and why slowing down conversations is often the key to generating better ideas. We also explore how moods influence team performance and what managers can do to help teams stay productive when emotions threaten to derail progress. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:12) Why strategic thinking is more than long-term planning(05:41) Creating a compelling vision of the future(10:06) How vision shapes what organizations believe is possible(16:38) Helping teams think strategically together(18:47) Why strategic conversations often collapse into action planning(22:14) The difference between debating ideas and exploring them(25:06) What great leaders and partners do differently(28:31) [Extended] Why knowing what to do isn't enough to change behavior(29:30) [Extended] The hidden role moods play in team performance(32:44) [Extended] How to recognize and shift unproductive moods in meetings(35:40) [Extended] A simple exercise to create more intentional team conversations 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UiIcgN4YcpNc0fAHakdjK_DZBCmb4N2io6xjX_2ZQso/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Howard Teibel - Connect with Howard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardteibel/  - Visit Teibel education here: https://teibelinc.com/  Get episodes and key takeaways delivered to your inbox when you join my newsletter at www.themodernmanager.com --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #StrategicThinking #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamLeadership #LeadershipSkills #DecisionMaking #OrganizationalLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessStrategy #LeadershipCommunication #ManagementSkills #TeamEffectiveness #FutureThinking #LeadershipMindset #OrganizationalDevelopment #TheModernManager

When a meeting becomes tense, your natural instinct might be to calm things down. But when emotions start rising, the real problem usually isn’t the conflict itself. It’s that something important is at stake, and the conversation has shifted from solving a problem to defending positions, competence, or credibility. In this episode, I explain why trying to smooth things over or bypass the hard stuff by “taking it offline” often makes things worse. You'll learn how to recognize what's really happening when discussions become emotional, why tension can be a useful signal rather than a threat, and how to help a group move from arguing with each other to working on the problem together. I also share a real example from a meeting where I wasn't the leader in the room but still had an opportunity to intervene. You'll learn three practical steps for slowing down heated conversations, uncovering the real issue beneath the disagreement, and helping teams make productive progress without shutting conflict down. By the end of this episode, you'll have a simple framework for navigating difficult moments in meetings and the confidence to step in when everyone else is waiting for someone else to act. Conversation Topics (00:00) A meeting that became more heated than anyone expected(01:06) Why most people freeze when conflict escalates in a meeting(02:05) The hidden issue underneath emotional disagreements(02:52) Why "let's take this offline" often makes things worse(03:32) Emotions are information, not a problem to solve(04:25) Why don't you need authority to help with a difficult conversation(05:40) Step #1: Slow the conversation down without shutting it down(06:00) Step #2: Identify the real concern underneath the disagreement(06:43) How to redirect emotional energy toward solving the problem(07:11) Step #3: Decide what happens next so the issue moves forward(08:00) The difference between burying a problem and intentionally parking it(08:50) [Extended] How to repair trust after an emotional reaction at work (09:20) [Extended] Why apologizing alone often isn't enough to rebuild credibility 📚 Additional Resources ✨ Read the transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hFBOi5jIA5I3TCv9h-BJDu7bmN0Yp8T2zhc9wDglGsM/edit?usp=sharing ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨ Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨ Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode! #Leadership #Management #CommunicationSkills #ConflictResolution #MeetingManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleManagement #TeamCommunication #ManagerTraining #TheModernManager

Managers often say they want more accountability on their teams. But accountability often feels like micromanaging people, chasing updates, or constantly correcting mistakes. In fact, many accountability problems begin long before performance issues show up. They start with unclear expectations, missing resources, and assumptions that everyone interprets requests the same way. Fortunately, this week’s guest offers a practical framework for creating accountability that actually works, without damaging trust, morale, or autonomy. Molly Rodau helps organizations navigate periods of growth and complexity by strengthening leadership, communication, and management practices. She specializes in helping leaders make difficult decisions while creating environments where people can do great work and feel supported. In this conversation, we explore why accountability is often misunderstood, how managers can set clearer expectations, the importance of providing the right resources, and how to have productive accountability conversations that strengthen performance instead of creating resentment. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:52) Why accountability is not the same as blame(03:44) The biggest mistakes managers make when setting expectations(09:31) When documenting expectations helps prevent confusion(11:55) How to balance clarity without becoming overly controlling(16:35) The difference between relational and tactical resources(20:03) Practical ways to support employees so they can succeed(21:03) Why accountability requires getting comfortable with authority(21:48) Avoiding “ruinous empathy” and “obnoxious aggression”(26:14) How positive accountability reinforces great performance(28:43) A great manager Molly worked for(31:46) [Extended] What to do when accountability conversations stop working(33:36) [Extended] The REAL framework for advocating upward and getting support(39:09) [Extended] Moving from complaints to productive action📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D_1whtmbUFjdCik2Sre61M6tXpWw8KdevvfWunir4x0/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  ✨ Episode 236: Say What Needs To Be Said with Kim Scott: https://themodernmanager.transistor.fm/236 Keep up with Molly Rodau at Collectively - Follow Collectively on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__collectively/ - Follow Collectively on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/be-collectively/ - Visit their website: https://www.becollectively.com/ Guest Bonus: ERA and REAL Advocacy Frameworks Download the The Expectations - Resources - Accountability Framework and The REAL Advocacy Framework cheatsheets to help you apply them to your work. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Accountabilit #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleManagement #ManagementSkills #LeadershipSkills #ManagerTraining #WorkplaceLeadership #TeamPerformance #EmployeeEngagement #ManagementTips #LeadershipGrowth #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeamLeadership #TheModernManager

Some team conflicts seem to get resolved quickly. Others keep resurfacing in meeting after meeting, leaving everyone frustrated and no closer to a solution. In this episode, I explain why certain disagreements are so difficult to resolve and introduce a simple framework for identifying the three types of conflict that show up on nearly every team: process conflict, perspective conflict, and personality conflict. You'll learn how to recognize which type of conflict you're dealing with, why different conflicts require different responses, and the practical steps managers can take to help conversations move forward instead of going in circles. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer way to diagnose team disagreements, reduce unnecessary friction, and help your team navigate conflict more productively. Conversation Topics (00:00) Why smart teams get stuck in unresolved disagreements(00:54) The three types of conflict hiding inside one conversation(03:06) Type #1: Process conflict and clarity on how work gets done(04:23) Type #2: Perspective conflict driven by values, experience, and expertise(05:19) Type #3: Personality conflict and clashing work styles(06:20) Move #1: Identify the type of conflict before solving it(06:49) Move #2: Resolve process conflict by clarifying decision rights and expectations(08:29) Move #3: Resolve perspective conflict by naming trade-offs and decision criteria(10:30) Move #4: Manage personality conflict through translation, reframing, and team norms(12:03) [Extended] Why managers often misdiagnose conflict when they are part of it (13:19) [Extended] How to recognize when you're acting like a player instead of a referee.(14:22) [Extended] A simple technique for reducing bias during difficult team disagreements.📚 Additional Resources ✨ Read the transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/15h40eVFr8x2Mk9kW9gn53rbZQQpxjBmkxkE19BmLTxM/edit?usp=sharing  ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨ Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨ Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadership #Management #PeopleManagement #TeamConflict #ConflictResolution #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerTips #TeamLeadership #WorkplaceCommunication #TheModernManager

Most managers think their job is to have the answers. But the managers who create the strongest teams often do the opposite: they ask better questions. The challenge is that under pressure, most of us default to fixing, advising, and jumping in with solutions. And while that may feel efficient in the moment, it can unintentionally shut down ownership, confidence, and independent thinking on our teams. Fortunately, this week’s guests explain why coaching doesn’t have to mean hour-long development conversations or formal mentoring sessions. Instead, they share how small “coachable moments” in everyday work conversations can transform the way people think, learn, and perform. Laura Ashley-Timms and Dominic Ashley-Timms are leadership experts, executive coaches, and authors of The Answer Is A Question. Their work focuses on helping managers use operational coaching techniques to develop more confident, capable, and engaged teams through the power of purposeful inquiry. In this conversation, we explore how to identify coachable moments, the kinds of questions that build confidence and critical thinking, and why managers who stop rushing to provide answers often unlock far greater performance from their teams. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:14) Why managers default to giving answers instead of coaching(05:27) What makes a moment “coachable”(08:43) How operational coaching builds confidence and ownership(12:08) The difference between helpful questions and advice disguised as questions(14:31) The Ques-Gen framework for asking better questions(18:21) How purposeful inquiry creates new insights and learning(19:27) Questions that unintentionally shut people down(22:20) How to share your ideas without dominating the conversation(24:38) The leadership shift from problem-solver to talent developer(30:10) [Extended Episode Only] How to decide if a situation is truly coachable(33:36) [Extended Episode Only] Why small coaching moments create long-term team growth(35:17) [Extended Episode Only] The growing pressure managers face today(37:24) [Extended Episode Only] Why “accidental managers” are burning out(38:56) [Extended Episode Only] Reframing management as enabling others to succeed 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nDydcM3ozLY1UtVNN7O0AqMJr1rs5JkuWe8KDq6EdQE/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Laura Ashley-Timms and Dominic Ashley-Timms - Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/laura-ashley-timms - Connect with Dominic on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dominic-ashley-timms - Listen to the STAR® Manager Podcast: https://STARmanager.global/podcast - Check out their book The Answer Is A Question: https://www.amazon.com/Answer-Question-Superpower-Everything-Transform/dp/0117093912 Guest Bonus: 10 Free Audiobooks of The Answer is A Question This book provides a step-by-step walk-through of their ground-breaking STAR® model. Packed with invaluable insights, examples, and mini-missions, you’ll learn precisely how to make some immediate changes that will yield fast and exciting results and revolutionise how you manage forever. The first 10 members to sign up will receive the audiobook. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagementSkills #CoachingSkills #PeopleManagement #LeadershipCommunication #ManagerTips #WorkplaceLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamLeadership #CoachingConversations #ManagerTraining #FutureOfWork #LeadershipGrowth #EmployeeDevelopment #OperationalCoaching

Most managers think difficult feedback conversations are hard because they don’t know what to say. But often the real problem is that the conversation they’re preparing for is the wrong one. In this episode, I break down why feedback conversations become so emotionally exhausting, why managers keep delaying them, and how unclear expectations quietly damage trust long before feedback is ever delivered. You’ll learn why feedback only works when there’s a shared understanding of standards first, how to shift from a “feedback conversation” to a “clarity conversation,” and four practical moves that make difficult conversations more productive and less emotionally charged. In the extended version, I also explore what to do when the conversation still doesn’t work, how to identify whether the real issue is clarity, capability, motivation, or systems constraints, and why repeating the same conversation louder rarely fixes the problem. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a practical framework for approaching difficult conversations with more clarity, less avoidance, and a much better chance of creating real change. Conversation Topics (00:00) The parking garage moment managers know too well(01:32) Why feedback conversations feel so difficult(02:28) The hidden problem: unclear standards and assumptions(03:39) Why feedback is really a clarity conversation(04:54) Move #1: Name the conversation before it starts(05:50) Move #2: Lead with the observable gap, not emotions(07:00) Move #3: Make the conversation collaborative, not a verdict(07:00) Move #4: End with recommitment and accountability(07:00) [EXTENDED ONLY] Why discomfort doesn’t always mean the conversation failed (08:02) [EXTENDED ONLY] The difference between capability, will, and systems gaps (09:22) [EXTENDED ONLY] Why repeating the same feedback conversation louder rarely works (10:17) [EXTENDED ONLY] Reframing feedback as alignment instead of judgment 📚 Additional Resources ✨ Read the transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iw4Ci7hYzU-1kSC8biwCp7opAjCuXcJJSRH7oP69PGk/edit?usp=sharing  ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨ Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨ Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadership #Management #Feedback #CommunicationSkills #ManagerTools #WorkplaceCommunication #LeadershipDevelopment #TheModernManager

AI can now answer questions faster, cheaper, and sometimes better than humans. So where does that leave managers and teams? For many leaders, the instinct is to use AI to speed up execution and automate tasks. But the bigger challenge isn’t getting faster answers. It’s learning how to ask better questions, navigate uncertainty, and create environments where people are encouraged to think critically, experiment, and complement AI. Fortunately, this week’s guest explains why the future of work won’t belong to the people who always have the right answers but to the teams that know how to explore problems with AI as their partner. Dr. Vivienne Ming is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author of Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better People. Her work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, human potential, and innovation, helping organizations understand which uniquely human skills become even more valuable in an AI-driven world. In this conversation, we explore the difference between well-posed and ill-posed problems, why curiosity and intellectual humility matter more than expertise, and how managers can build teams that think more creatively alongside AI instead of becoming dependent on it. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(03:42) Why AI excels at “well-posed” problems(07:00) The kinds of problems humans still solve best(10:41) Why uncertainty makes managers uncomfortable(13:20) How AI can create the illusion of understanding(15:13) The human skills that become more valuable in an AI-driven world(19:37) What “hybrid intelligence” between humans and AI looks like(23:18) Why curiosity and intellectual humility outperform expertise alone(27:12) How productive disagreement improves team thinking(32:19) [Extended Episode Only] Building resilience, curiosity, and learning through failure(35:48) [Extended Episode Only] Why rewarding “productive mistakes” matters(40:56) [Extended Episode Only] Using constructive criticism to generate better ideas 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jDqGUcP6zMtset2bPAkMNxaa40MQc4yuhK8kcgY-8KU/edit?usp=sharing   ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Dr. Vivienne Ming and SOCoS - Visit SOCoS here: https://socos.org/ - Check out the book Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better People: https://socos.org/robot-proof  Guest Bonus: Book Giveaway: Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better People Dr. Vivienne Ming helps readers grasp the ugly and the amazing of how individuals, companies, and societies will respond to the changes that are already taking hold due to the advent of AI. With poignant insight and delicate care to keep us grounded in the human perspective, Robot-Proof is an entertaining and thought-provoking read for all individuals seeking to understand the next steps in a new and completely unprecedented world. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #AIatWork #CriticalThinking #InnovationCulture #Curiosity #WorkplaceLearning #LeadershipSkills #DigitalTransformation #CreativeThinking #ProblemSolving #HumanSkills #Management #AILeadership

Most managers assume burnout is caused by one thing: workload. But in reality, burnout is rarely that simple. It’s usually the result of multiple hidden workplace dynamics that quietly drain energy over time, long before anyone officially burns out. In this episode, I break down six overlooked causes of burnout that show up in everyday leadership decisions, from lack of work-life balance and micromanagement to toxic culture, lack of support, recognition gaps, and monotonous work. You’ll also hear how these patterns show up in real teams, how they quietly erode engagement, and what you can do as a manager to start shifting them in practical, sustainable ways. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how burnout actually builds over time and what small leadership shifts can prevent it from taking hold in your team. Conversation Topics (00:00) Why burnout often goes unnoticed until disengagement becomes visible(01:19) Why burnout is more than just workload.(02:55) Cause #1: Lack of work-life balance and always being “on.”(04:14) Cause #2: Micromanagement and lack of trust.(05:04) Cause #3: Toxic workplace culture and psychological safety.(06:06) Cause #4: Lack of support from leadership and unclear communication.(07:31) Cause #5: Lack of recognition and its emotional impact.(08:58) Cause #6: Monotonous work and loss of engagement.(10:45) Why burnout prevention is about small, consistent changes, not big overhauls.(08:58) [EXTENDED ONLY] Personal burnout recovery strategies.(10:45) [EXTENDED ONLY] How to recognize your own overload patterns as a leader.(10:45) [EXTENDED ONLY] Deeper reflection on sustainable leadership habits. 📚 Additional Resources ✨ Read the transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zaYWIxLEy6HrcMOgFBKRwyMMyV9JmZo15b6gcxr3Y-0/edit?usp=sharing  ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨ Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨ Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  ✨ Check out Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/KLXNolHCz_0 The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #LeadershipDevelopment #BurnoutPrevention #ManagementSkills #WorkplaceCulture #TeamLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #PeopleManagement #LeadershipTips #PsychologicalSafety #WorkLifeBalance #HighPerformanceTeams #ModernLeadership #TheModernManager

Resilience is often framed as pushing through, staying positive, and powering past challenges. But that version of resilience can backfire, especially for managers trying to support their teams. When leaders jump too quickly into problem-solving or positivity, they can unintentionally make people feel unheard, dismissed, or disconnected. Fortunately, this week’s guest shares a more effective approach to building resilience, one that starts with acknowledging what people are actually experiencing and then guides them toward solutions. Jay Abbasi is a leadership coach and former executive who helps individuals and organizations develop resilience, improve performance, and lead through challenges with greater awareness and intention. In this conversation, we explore how to support resilience in others without falling into toxic positivity, practical coaching techniques that help people find their own solutions, and how to lead teams through difficult moments by creating space, trust, and honest dialogue. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:18) Rethinking resilience beyond “just pushing through.”(05:46) Why positivity can sometimes make things worse(09:12) The importance of acknowledging what people are experiencing(12:34) Coaching instead of fixing: helping others find their own solutions(16:08) Powerful coaching questions that shift perspective(19:27) Asking permission before giving advice(22:41) Creating psychological safety through active listening(26:15) Supporting individuals without becoming their therapist(29:38) Leading teams through uncertainty and difficult news(32:56) [Extended Episode Only] Supporting team resilience in real time(33:44) [Extended Episode Only] Why “I hear you” matters more than solutions(36:44) [Extended Episode Only] Coaching techniques to unlock better thinking(40:14) [Extended Episode Only] How to lead team conversations during tough moments 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YIXQtsAmWSuIXfl4ZDdfJ0INFUN2W5w8OA6yZrIC004/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Jay Abbasi - Connect with Jay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ - Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ - Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi - Subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Guest Bonus: Free PDF: 7 Strategies To Build Unshakable Resilience  This PDF offers guidance on how to support your own resilience. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #leadershipcommunication #peoplemanagement #managertips #emotionalintelligence #workplacecommunication #leadershipskills #coachingleadership#psychologicalsafety #teamleadership #resilienceatwork

Most managers assume burnout is caused by one thing: workload. But in reality, burnout is rarely that simple. It’s usually the result of multiple hidden workplace dynamics that quietly drain energy over time long before anyone officially burns out. In this episode, I break down six overlooked causes of burnout that show up in everyday leadership decisions, from false urgency and unfair treatment to relentless change, limited growth, and feeling undercompensated. You’ll also learn how to recognize early warning signs of burnout, understand what’s really driving disengagement, and take simple, practical steps to prevent it from escalating. By the end of this episode, you’ll see how burnout actually develops beneath the surface and what you can do as a manager to stop it before it spreads across your team. Conversation Topics (00:00) Why burnout is often misdiagnosed as just workload (01:19) The difference between productive stress and destructive drain (02:34) Cause #1: False urgency and constant crisis mode (03:55) Cause #2: Unfair treatment and its ripple effect on trust (05:36) Cause #3: Relentless change without explanation (06:26) Cause #4: Excessive workload and lack of support (07:07) Cause #5: Limited growth opportunities (08:43) Cause #6: Feeling undercompensated (10:01) Why burnout is usually a combination of multiple causes (11:15) [EXTENDED ONLY] How to talk to team members about burnout risk. (12:35) [EXTENDED ONLY] Difference between stress vs burnout progression. (13:51)[EXTENDED ONLY]  How to intervene early and prevent escalation. 📚 Additional Resources ✨ Read the transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a0E7D-LtllycG5WsQqnUkCGLdrfP_iXHln44vO1pUPE/edit?usp=sharing  ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨ Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨ Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagementSkills #BurnoutPrevention #WorkplaceCulture #TeamLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #PeopleManagement #LeadershipTips #HighPerformanceTeams #WorkLifeBalance #EmotionalIntelligence #ModernLeadership #TheModernManager

Toxic workplaces come in many different forms that we might not always notice.  And because we aren’t all affected in the same ways, even the most well-meaning managers can unintentionally contribute to an unhealthy culture if they aren't paying close attention.  Aoife O’Brien is an organizational psychologist, leadership expert, and author of Thriving Talent. Her work focuses on helping organizations create environments where people feel psychologically safe, aligned to meaningful work, and able to perform at their best. In this conversation, we explore what actually makes a workplace toxic, practical ways to spot the early warning signs of an unhealthy culture, and clear, everyday actions you can take to foster trust, respect, and psychological safety. Because culture is something you create moment by moment, not something you merely declare. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:21) Types of Toxic Workplaces (and How They Develop)(06:17) Why Toxic Cultures Persist and How to Start Changing Them(10:06) A Framework for Building Thriving Workplaces(13:17) Fostering Psychological Safety at Every Level(17:58) Understanding What Actually Drives People at Work(21:05) Meeting Individual Needs(25:54) One Thing Managers Can Do Tomorrow(28:12) Closing Thoughts and Book Recommendations(31:04) [Extended Only] Gaining Awareness of Your Strengths(34:07) [Extended Only] Managing Conflicting Strengths on Teams(37:35) [Extended Only] Structuring Collaboration So Different Strengths Shine 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q9HGJ3_EkaabC5ZzePq86WUmejsVGJU-KpUjRNzuhT0/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Aoife O’Brien  - Connect with Aoife on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien - Follow Happier at Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/happieratworkpodcast - Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie - Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappieratWorkHQ - Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happieratwork Guest Bonus: 10% Off Thriving Talent Book In Thriving Talent, Aoife O’Brien challenges the idea that engagement and performance are trade-offs. Instead, she shows leaders how to create environments where people feel psychologically safe, aligned to meaningful work, and able to use their strengths every day.  Blending research with practical tools, the book introduces a clear framework for building cultures that drive performance, engagement, and retention without relying on perks or pressure. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #teamdynamics #teamperformance #conflic #teamalignment #highperformingteams #workplacefriction #collaborationatwork #leadingteams #peoplemanagement #howteamswork

You’re stuck between two options, going back and forth, trying to figure out the “right” choice. Should you hire or not? Change systems or stay the same? Restructure or keep things as they are? The more you think about it, the more stuck you feel. It’s easy to assume the answer is hidden somewhere between those two choices, but often, that’s the real problem. You’re treating a complex decision as if it only has two possible paths. In this quick lesson, I share five practical strategies to help you break out of binary thinking and expand your options.  By the end of this lesson, you’ll know how to approach decisions more creatively, uncover better solutions, and move forward with greater confidence, without feeling stuck between “either” and “or.” Conversation Topics (00:00) Why either-or thinking keeps you stuck in tough decisions(00:59) How binary thinking limits better, more creative solutions(01:30) Strategy 1: Generate “options within options” to expand your choices(03:03) Strategy 2: Challenge the assumptions behind your choices(03:58) Strategy 3: Sequence decisions instead of treating them as permanent(04:20) [Extended Episode] Strategy 4: Create hybrid solutions that combine the best of both options(04:44) [Extended Episode] Strategy 5: Reframe decisions from different stakeholder perspectives(05:20) How to recognize when you’re stuck in either-or thinking(05:40) Your challenge: Apply one strategy to a current decision(06:00) Why better decisions come from expanding, not narrowing, your options 📚 Additional Resources ✨ Read the transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CqY5XO5bUVxKGO8gxqEneN4DtYWGOoVykBuwYM6C1K4/edit?usp=sharing  ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨ Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨ Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagementSkills #DecisionMaking #ProblemSolving #StrategicThinking #LeadershipSkills #ManagerMindset #WorkplaceSuccess #ProfessionalGrowth #CriticalThinking #LeadershipHabits #TheModernManager

We often think our reactions at work are about what’s happening in the moment: a frustrating colleague, a difficult conversation, or a stressful situation. But what if those reactions are actually coming from somewhere else? For many managers, moments of irritation, defensiveness, or emotional overwhelm can feel confusing or even unprofessional. But these responses aren’t random and they’re not a sign that something is wrong with you. Fortunately, this week’s guest explains how our past experiences shape our present-day interactions and how developing self-awareness can help us respond more thoughtfully instead of reacting automatically. Nidhi Tewari is a therapist and leadership expert who helps individuals and organizations build emotional intelligence, navigate interpersonal dynamics, and create healthier, more connected workplaces. In this conversation, we explore why certain people trigger us, how to recognize when your reaction is disproportionate to the moment, and a simple framework you can use to regulate your emotions and lead more effectively. We also discuss how to support team members through difficult moments without crossing the line into becoming their therapist. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:41) The Science of Attunement: How We Sync With Others(03:38) Body Language, Energy, and Emotional Contagion(05:11) Attuning to Organizational Culture and Unspoken Norms(06:37) Case Study: Supporting Neurodivergent Teams(08:28) The CHECK-IN Framework for Difficult Conversations(13:32) Attunement in Remote Work: What Changes(15:56) Spotting Behavioral Shifts and Subtle Signals(17:18) Connection Gaps: Why Conversations Break Down(23:27) From Fixer to Explorer + A Story of Great Leadership(32:41) [Extended Episode Only] How to support employees while maintaining boundaries(36:52) [Extended Episode Only] The importance of normalizing and validating emotions(39:21) [Extended Episode Only] The right way to refer employees to additional support 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ewlJYvzfKfIScl9mrdHqd61HTW_TuSJKoJGRGse6qEs/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Nidhi Tewari - Follow Nidhi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nidhitewarilcsw/?hl=en - Visit her website: https://www.nidhitewari.com - Check out her book Working Well: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/788782/working-well-by-nidhi-tewari-msw-lcsw-foreword-by-amy-cuddy/ --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

We spend most of our time indoors moving from screens to meetings to more screens without realizing the toll it’s taking on our focus, energy, and overall well-being. For many managers, burnout and fatigue feel like a personal failing or just “part of the job.” But what if the real issue isn’t you… it’s your environment? Fortunately, this week’s guest explains how reconnecting with nature isn’t just about wellness; it’s a powerful, science-backed way to improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and become a more effective leader. Dr. John La Puma is a physician, author, and expert in lifestyle medicine who focuses on how nature, nutrition, and environment impact human performance and health. His work helps leaders rethink how their daily surroundings influence not just their well-being, but also their decision-making, creativity, and relationships at work. In this conversation, we explore how nature affects the brain, why “green” and “blue” spaces improve collaboration and reduce stress, and practical ways managers can bring more outdoor experiences into their workdays and team routines. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:42) Why modern work environments are mismatched with how our brains function(04:18) The connection between nature, stress reduction, and cognitive performance(07:36) How “green” and “blue” spaces impact focus, creativity, and calm(10:55) Why burnout is a biological mismatch, not a personal failure(14:27) The role of sensory engagement in restoring mental energy(18:03) How too much screen time (“digital overload”) affects the brain(22:11) Practical ways to incorporate more nature into your daily routine(26:34) Why small environmental changes can have a big impact on performance(31:48) [Extended Episode Only] How to bring nature into team activities and meetings(32:41) [Extended Episode Only] Why walking meetings work better in green spaces(40:18) [Extended Episode Only] A simple way to introduce cold exposure into your routine 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hahKSaofgMpcW6ehwtJn6_L5zQiec4ftymnTfBp7mqs/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Dr. John La Puma - Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlapuma/  - Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnlapuma/  - Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJohnLaPuma/  - Subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drjohnlapuma/  - Visit his website: https://www.drjohnlapuma.com/  - Learn more about The Indoor Epidemic: https://www.drjohnlapuma.com/indoor-epidemic-by-dr-john-la-puma/  Guest Bonus: Free Guide: How To Talk To Your Doctor About A Natural Prescription Dr. John is providing members of Podcast Plus with his guide, "How to Talk to Your Doctor about a Nature Prescription." This one-page guide offers a simple script and prescription layout so you can create your optimal nature prescription. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadershiptips #Burnout #WorkplaceWellbeing #Productivity #MentalHealthAtWork #LeadershipDevelopment #FocusAndProductivity #WorkplaceHealth #ManagerTips #FutureOfWork

Stress is something every manager experiences. Tight deadlines, constant decisions, competing priorities; it can feel like pressure is simply part of the job. Most leaders treat stress like one big, unavoidable force. In reality, stress isn’t just one thing. It appears in different forms, and each requires a different response. When leaders don’t understand the source of their stress, they often try to solve the wrong problem or end up stuck in cycles of overthinking and burnout. Fortunately, this week’s guest shares a practical framework for understanding stress and turning it into something leaders can actually manage. Amy Leneker is a former C-suite executive, a leadership advisor to Fortune 100 companies, and the author of Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy. Her work focuses on helping leaders identify the sources of stress in their work and create simple systems to reduce it while increasing clarity and joy. In this conversation, we explore the different types of stress leaders experience, how stress flows through teams, and practical ways managers can help their teams talk about stress more openly and productively. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:34) Why isn't all stress the same, and why that matter for leaders(04:12) The different types of stress managers experience at work(07:25) Why identifying the source of stress is the first step to solving it(10:48) How unmanaged stress quietly spreads through teams(14:22) Why leaders often underestimate the stress their words create(18:36) Helping teams talk about stress without judgment(22:41) Why unclear priorities create unnecessary stress for teams(27:18) Practical ways leaders can reduce stress while improving clarity and trust(30:02) Simple leadership habits that create more moments of joy at work(33:01) [Extended Episode Only] The three-step “unstressing” method for identifying and solving stressors(36:21) [Extended Episode Only] A powerful team exercise that revealed 73 hidden stressors(41:58) [Extended Episode Only] Avoiding toxic positivity and creating real moments of connection on your team 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nZOOgSIPaHiVT4PukpfR74wy8Drp-Lzah9AHMhadf3s/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep Up with Amy Leneker - Follow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.leneker/ - Check out her book Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy. https://www.amazon.com/Cheers-Monday-Surprisingly-Simple-Method/dp/1394388802 Guest Bonus: Book Giveaway 3 Copies of "Cheers to Monday" Amy is giving away 3 copies of her new book, Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy.  You must enter the drawing by April 17th. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadership #TeamLeadership #WorkplaceStress #LeadershipSkills #ManagementTips #LeadershipDevelopment #BurnoutPrevention #TeamManagement #ManagerTips #FutureOfWork

Empathy is often talked about as a “soft skill,” but in reality, it can be one of the most powerful leadership strategies for building trust, improving collaboration, and helping teams perform at their best. When leaders understand the experiences and stories that shape how people think, communicate, and respond under pressure, they can lead in ways that make team members feel truly seen and supported. But empathy at work isn’t just about being kind or having surface-level conversations. It requires curiosity, listening, and taking action based on what you learn. This week’s guest shares practical ways leaders can bring empathy into everyday workplace interactions, from asking better questions to creating small moments where team members can share their stories and build stronger connections. Leilani Garrett spent more than two decades in corporate sales and leadership, navigating high-stakes environments, leading teams, and closing multi-million-dollar deals. Today, she’s a creative force redefining leadership, connection, and culture through storytelling. Her work bridges personal growth and organizational impact, helping leaders and teams break down silos, build trust, and show up more fully human. In this conversation, we explore how empathy strengthens leadership, why curiosity is essential for understanding your team, and simple activities managers can use to create deeper trust and collaboration. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:29) What empathy really means at work(04:19) Recognizing our shared humanity(06:46) Creating space for honest conversations with your team(08:50) Why listening matters more than relating(12:11) Identifying procedural roadblocks that affect your team(15:47) Why curiosity is essential for empathetic leadership(17:59) Recognizing and celebrating quiet contributors(19:46) Building trust by repeating what people say(22:18) Why teams stop sharing personal stories over time(26:03) Examples of empathetic leadership in practice(31:39) [Extended Episode Only] Questions that spark meaningful conversations(33:16) [Extended Episode Only] Using stories to bring empathy into decisions 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s24gnyedl7h6XumSMgQSaT9489bw661mUCOBlfqAgEQ/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Leilani Garrett - Connect with Leilani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilanigarrett/ - Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lahhnee/ Guest Bonus: 20% Off Leilani’s Services Leilani provides leaders and teams with tools to communicate more honestly, lead more empathetically, and thrive collectively.  Learn more about her services here.  Discount is available through August 2026. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadership #EmpathyInLeadership #ManagementSkills #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #TheModernManager #MamieKanferStewart #LeadershipPodcast

Change is constant. But too often, leaders treat change as a project instead of a core leadership skill. That’s when teams disengage, resistance grows, and initiatives stall. The problem isn’t the change itself. It’s how it’s led. Fortunately, this week’s guest shares a powerful new approach to help leaders guide their teams through uncertainty, build trust, and turn resistance into meaningful progress. Yvonne is a Change Management Strategist & Advisor, Founder of The Change Leadership, Author, and a Change Leadership Advocate with over 20 years of experience helping professionals and organizations lead and navigate change in today's disruptive environment. In this conversation, we explore the difference between change leadership and change management, how empathy and adaptability drive adoption, and why resistance is one of the most valuable signals leaders can receive. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:34) Change leadership vs. change management(04:24) Core change leadership skills every manager needs(06:50) Adaptive leadership and the head, heart, and hand model(09:42) Empathy and understanding how others hear change(11:36) Leading AI adoption and understanding impact first(14:50) The change curve and why people react differently(18:55) Involving stakeholders early to avoid failure(21:48) Transparency, trust, and early communication(24:26) Why resistance to change is valuable feedback(27:29) Designing better communication through real questions(29:26) The role of trust in strong leadership relationships(31:22) [Extended Episode] Avoiding performative change(36:45) [Extended episode] Driving change adoption(39:19) [Extended Episode] When feedback creates insight 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BO4nUYvWB6iEJDa1tMiJzBI-xL_d1TtcIVx53OS8fAs/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep Up with Yvonne Akpoveta - Connect with Yvonne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonneakpoveta/ - Access free resources here: https://oliveblue.com/resources - Visit her website: https://thechangeleadership.com/ Guest Bonus: Discount on your virtual or in-person ticket to Change Leadership Conference 2026 At this one-day event, you’ll gain practical strategies, build peer connections, and elevate your credibility as a change leader in a world of constant disruption. Members get $150 off In-person tickets and $45 off Virtual tickets. Promo codes expire April 30th. The Change Leadership Conference is on May 27, 2026. Get your ticket here: https://thechangeleadership.com/change-leadership-conference-2026#tickets To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #ChangeLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagementSkills #TeamLeadership #ResistanceIsAGift #TheModernManager #MamieKanferStewart #OrganizationalChange #FutureOfWork

Many leaders assume communication is about clarity. But the real challenge is getting people to truly understand, care, and take action. Too often, managers jump straight into slides, updates, or instructions without thinking about the impact of their message. As a result, even important communication falls flat, creates confusion, or leaves teams unsure what to do next. Fortunately, this week’s guest shares a simple yet powerful framework for making every message more intentional, engaging, and effective. Andy Freed is the Chairman of Virtual Inc., a strategic consulting and professional services firm that supports mission-driven organizations across technology, healthcare, and financial services. With more than 30 years of experience leading teams through growth and transformation, Andy is known for helping leaders communicate in ways that spark alignment, action, and trust. He’s also the author of Lead Like The Boss: The Bruce Springsteen Framework to Elevating Your Leadership. In this conversation, we explore how leaders can craft messages that stick, why consistency matters more than novelty, and how to bring energy and authenticity into everyday communication. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the week’s episode's big idea delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:42) Leadership lessons from Bruce Springsteen(04:25) The Think, Feel, Do communication framework(06:59) Why unclear messaging creates unintended consequences(09:35) The power of consistency in leadership communication(13:18) Crafting a clear central message(18:06) How energy influences engagement and impact(23:23) Leadership as performance even offstage(25:07) Tone, technology, and communication mistakes(28:58) Why PowerPoint often fails leaders(31:56) [Extended Episode Only] Preparation and technology in modern communication(34:19) [Extended Episode Only] How AI can support stronger messaging 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cnls8gh0b00TR70jIO6KojI4WsaD_zaNslXfM1VQkx8/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep Up with ​​Andy Freed - Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfreed/ - Visit his website: https://andyfreed.com/ Guest Bonus: 3 Book Giveaways: Lead like the Boss: The Bruce Springsteen Framework to Elevating Your Leadership Following the arc of Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen's legendary stage performances, this book demonstrates how to communicate your ideas to your followers and colleagues in ways that are authentic, intentional, and effective. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #LeadershipCommunication #CommunicationSkills #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerSkills #ExecutiveCommunication #PublicSpeakingTips #BusinessCommunication #ManagementSkills #InfluenceAndPersuasion #ProfessionalCommunication #WorkplaceCommunication #PresentationSkills #PowerPointTips #StorytellingInBusiness #CommunicateClearly #LeadershipGrowth #FutureOfWork #AIInLeadership #ManagerTraining #TheModernManager

Many managers believe pressure drives performance. Others focus heavily on support. But high-performing teams don’t choose one or the other. They operate with both. When expectations are high, but support is low, people become defensive, stressed, and disengaged.  When support is high but expectations are low, performance suffers. The real challenge for managers is learning how to balance intensity with kindness so teams feel both challenged and supported. Fortunately, this week’s guest shares a practical and grounded approach to building this balance.  Evan Marks, a mental performance coach who has worked in high-stakes environments, explains why people don’t rise to the occasion but fall to their level of training. He also shares how structure, emotional regulation, and clear communication help teams perform under pressure. In this conversation, we explore how to create psychological safety without lowering standards, how to shift from feedback to “feedforward,” and why leaders must model ownership and emotional control if they want their teams to do the same. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! 💡Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:06) The gap between expectations and preparation(04:48) Structure vs. wishing for performance(08:15) Autonomy inside strong guardrails(11:22) Psychological safety in high-performance environments(15:03) Intensity with kindness(19:26) Feedforward instead of feedback(23:40) Leadership, ownership, and accountability(27:12) Language, emotional control, and awareness(29:43) [Extended Episode Only] Elevating team mental performance(33:31) [Extended Episode Only] Building psychological safety without lowering standards(37:39) [Extended Episode Only] Ownership, trust, and team culture 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+. Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zN2YyAMYJXogkS7Pv1zh_zTFLw19q_K5ZPwa20qq0GU/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmanagerpodcast ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Evan Marks - Connect with Evan on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmarks-m1/  - Explore website here: http://www.m1performancegroup.com/  📢 Guest Bonus: The 20-Minute Evening Reset This 5-Step Evening Reset gives you the foundation for peak performance. This reset combines breathwork, journaling, goal setting, and clearing mental clutter so you wake up as your most focused, composed self. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.

Many teams struggle with the same invisible problem: unspoken norms that quietly undermine collaboration, performance, and trust.  Even when leaders want better behaviors, more ownership, healthier boundaries, and stronger collaboration, change often stalls because no one has named what’s actually happening. Fortunately, this week’s guest helps managers put language to the hidden norms shaping their teams and offers a practical way to replace judgment-based practices with norms that help people do their best work. Nilofer Merchant is a bestselling author, speaker, and thought leader on innovation, collaboration, and organizational culture. In her work, she focuses on helping leaders identify the outdated norms holding teams back and redesign work in ways that unlock human potential. She is the author of Our Best Work and founder of The Intangible Labs. In this conversation, we explore how managers can surface unspoken norms, talk about them without defensiveness, and create shared ownership for cultural change. We also discuss why real change requires choice, not control, and how small shifts in language and process can cascade into healthier team dynamics. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the week’s episode's big idea delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:18) Why unspoken norms quietly shape team behavior(06:04) Naming judgment-based practices that limit performance(10:41) Replacing judgment with encouragement at work(15:36) How language gives teams permission to change(19:58) Connecting team values to everyday behaviors(24:27) Why do people resist change even when they want it(29:02) Creating choice instead of control to enable real change(30:02) [Extended Episode Only] How to talk openly about norms as a team(33:12) [Extended Episode Only] Using shared ownership to sustain new behaviors(37:57) [Extended Episode Only] Designing work that supports flexibility and trust 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gi5EaI0UEf6AAUlTP56KXuQWU2Uv_tLNoq1ciyKI4Jg/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Nilofer Merchant - Connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilofermerchant/  Guest Bonus: Early Access to the Growth Assessment Intangibles now drive 84% of value creation, yet most managers are flying blind. This early access gives you visibility into the invisible drivers of growth and data on what actually happens when you address what matters.  To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadership #Management #WorkplaceCulture #TeamCulture #OrganizationalCulture

Managing a team gets especially challenging when emotions run high. Whether it’s you who regularly rides the emotional rollercoaster or a team member who explodes in meetings, shuts down during feedback, or feels unpredictable from one conversation to the next, many managers struggle with how to respond when emotions show up in the workplace. Fortunately, this week’s guest offers a grounded framework for supporting emotional intensity at work without becoming a therapist and without ignoring what’s really happening. Jordanna Eyre is the founder of Spiral Growth Systems and the creator of the Spiral Leadership Methodology, a transformational framework designed to help leaders work with time, energy, emotions, and growth in non-linear ways. Known as the Chief Sorceress of Life & Business, Jordanna helps leaders expand their capacity, regulate their nervous systems, and lead with greater presence and clarity. In this conversation, we explore how leaders can hold space for emotions without fixing or minimizing them, when support crosses into referral, and how emotional safety creates stronger teams over time. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the week’s episode's big idea delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:21) Supporting team members with big emotions(06:04) Why leaders must regulate themselves first(09:46) Management vs. leadership in emotional situations(14:10) Fear as a blocker to anger, grief, and sadness(18:32) How suppressed emotions show up as ego or shutdown(23:48) Holding space without fixing or minimizing(27:55) When to refer instead of intervene(31:55) [Extended Episode Only] Expanding emotional capacity as a leader(33:13) [Extended Episode Only] What to say when emotions run high(36:52) [Extended Episode Only] Seeing the wisdom beneath behavior(40:41) [Extended Episode Only] Building shared leadership through emotional safety 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mSaEY2s0yvDn3oYir1bJvsteVVTQWght53jY0JR_Z_E/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Jordanna Eyre - LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordannaeyre/  - Visit the website: https://spiralgrowthsystems.com/ Guest Bonus: Free VIP Upgrade for The 5-day Make Time Your Ally Challenge Join the 5-day Make Time Your Ally Challenge to relieve leadership pressure holistically and sustainably by learning to navigate your time and energy with the natural laws of Creation. Modern Manager community members receive an exclusive upgrade to VIP, which includes access to the laser session area for direct support at the General Admission price! To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #ManagementSkills #ModernLeadership #PeopleManagement #ManagingEmotions #WorkplaceEmotions #LeadershipMindset #LeadingTeams #TeamDynamics

Many organizations say they want to invest in people, but their hiring and talent practices often tell a very different story. Degree requirements, limited benefits packages, and poor management practices continue to limit who gets access to opportunity and how teams perform. And the cost shows up everywhere: higher turnover, slower productivity, and missed potential. Fortunately, this week’s guest brings clear data and practical strategies that show how companies can do better for both people and performance. Dr. Angela Jackson is a Workplace Futurist and ESG expert, founder of Future Forward Strategies, and a lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education. She works with entrepreneurs, F100s, and policymakers on the future of work. Dr. Angela holds a doctorate from Harvard University and serves on several boards, including Needham Bancorp. Her book, The Win-Win Workplace, became a New York Times, USA Today, and Los Angeles Times Best Seller If you want to build stronger teams, reduce turnover, and boost performance inside your organization, this episode offers a practical roadmap. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the week’s episode's big idea delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Why “being your best self at work” is a business imperative(02:52) What is a “zero-sum workplace”?(06:05) What happens when workplaces invest in people(06:57) The 9 pillars of a Win-Win Workplace (overview)(12:26) What managers can do (even without company-wide power)(19:03) Distributed leadership and the Ownership mindset(26:57) A great manager story(29:30) How to connect with Angela(30:45) [Extended Interview] Building a deep talent bench(32:30) [Extended Interview] Hiring for skills, not credentials(36:18) [Extended Interview] How to design a skills-based interview 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O9rEV0xAVx6z2G3F9o6o3zcyLw5-dZOVj9wumxsSl34/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep Up with Angela Jackson - Connect with her on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/dr-angela-jackson - Follow her on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/angela.jackson.48955/  - Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drangelajackson/ - Read her book here: https://www.readwinwinworkplace.com/ Guest Bonus: 1 Free registration to The Win-Win Workplace Summit The Win-Win Workplace™ Summit is where visionary employers and workplace innovators gather to tackle real challenges. Grounded in research and a commitment to practice, the 2026 Summit is built to spark bold action. Come with real questions. Leave with new strategies, trusted advisors, and partnerships that last long after the event. This is where leaders stop going it alone—and start building what’s next, together. MAY 4-5, 2026 | CHICAGO, IL Learn more about the summit here: https://www.winwinworkplacesummit.org/ If you’re not able to attend the summit, enter the drawing anyway, and you’ll be able to select another event to attend in the US. Enter the drawing by February 27th, 2026. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadership #FutureOfWork #PeopleFirst #ModernManagement #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCulture #TalentDevelopment #SkillsBasedHiring #ManagerTips #WinWinWorkplace #HiringStrategy #TalentManagement #FutureOfWork #SkillsBasedHiring #LeadershipDevelopment #HRInnovation #AngelaJackson #WinWinWorkplace #EmployeeRetention

About 95% of people believe they’re self-aware, but research shows only 10–15% actually are. And that gap matters, especially for managers. Self-awareness shapes how we communicate, make decisions, handle conflict, and interpret others’ behavior. When we don’t understand what’s driving our reactions or how our actions land, we risk creating friction, bias, and misunderstanding on our teams without realizing it. Fortunately, this week’s guest helps us unpack what true self-awareness really is, where it comes from, and how managers can develop it in practical, grounded ways. Dr. Helen Fagan is a leadership development expert and author of Lead Like People Matter. Drawing on neuroscience, intercultural research, and decades of coaching leaders, Helen explains how our values, cultural conditioning, and unconscious brain systems shape how we show up at work and what it takes to interrupt patterns that no longer serve us. In this conversation, we explore how to notice emotional reactions before they hijack us, how to give feedback without attacking identity, and how managers can build self-awareness in themselves and their teams without it feeling awkward. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:20) What self-awareness actually means (and common misconceptions)(04:02) How culture and values shape workplace behavior(07:41) Why different work styles aren’t “wrong,” just different(10:13) How unconscious beliefs influence leadership decisions(12:56) Using emotional reactions as data, not direction(16:46) Recognizing physical signals of stress and reactivity(19:40) Naming emotions to reduce conflict and improve communication(33:37) Helping someone build self-awareness without making it personal(39:29) [Extended Episode] System 1 vs. System 2 thinking and emotional hijacking(42:14) [Extended Episode] Practical ways to re-engage logic during emotional moments 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UYUZ9dQXgxgvbwBKbhAd5DmmwMBMQbEzT8v4UQRVIh4/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep Up With Dr. Helen Fagan - Connect with Helen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drhelenfagan/ - Visit her website: https://helenfagan.com - Listen to the Because People Matter podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/because-people-matter/id1752004691 - Check out her new book, Lead Like People Matter: https://a.co/d/50tCCbw Guest Bonus: 50% Discount on IDI Assessment and Debrief Take the IDI Assessment, which is a psychometric assessment tool that we use for people to gain self-awareness for how they navigate human differences. Get the assessment, your results, and a meeting with one of our Qualified Administrators to better understand their results, as well as a development plan for how to use your results moving forward. Normally priced at $400, get this incredible offer for only $225! To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

You already have a personal brand, whether you’ve chosen it or not. And every meeting, email, and interaction at work is quietly shaping it. Many managers assume personal branding is about being visible online or promoting yourself. But in reality, it’s about how you show up, how others experience working with you, and what people say about you when you’re not in the room. It’s essentially your reputation. This week’s guest helps us unpack what personal brand really means at work and how to be intentional about it without feeling inauthentic, salesy, or self-promotional. Andy Storch is a keynote speaker, author of Own Your Career, Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career, and host of multiple podcasts. He works with leaders and managers to help them build reputations that earn trust, influence stakeholders, and attract opportunity. In this episode, we explore how your internal behaviors, external presence, and everyday choices combine to shape your brand and how small shifts can make a big difference over time. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. If you want more influence, stronger relationships, and greater career opportunities without becoming an “influencer,” this conversation will help you lead with clarity and intention. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) You already have a personal brand(02:07) What a personal brand really is (and why it matters at work)(04:54) Internal vs external brand: how reputation is formed(07:01) How small behaviors quietly shape how others see you(10:29) The balance between humility and visibility(12:50) How to assess your current brand with self-reflection and feedback(17:49) Why building your brand isn’t fake; it’s intentional(22:01) Appearance, perception, and owning your choices(27:11) What great leaders are remembered for long-term(35:27) [Extended Episode] Using values to guide what you share publicly(36:08) [Extended Episode] How celebrating your team strengthens your leadership brand(38:12) [Extended Episode] Networking, relationship-building, and long-term opportunity 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CyrOt9hWfHFy54Dg6px0nJZOFChrfNcEXsZ0rF4k1Xg/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep Up with Andy Storch 🔸 Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystorch/ 🔸 Visit Own Your Career, Own Your Life (book) here: https://ownyourbrandbook.com 🔸 Explore Andy’s work and podcast here: https://andystorch.com Guest Bonus: FREE Digital Copy of Own Your Brand, Own Your Career Andy Storch and Mike Kim—two seasoned experts in career development, personal branding, and thought leadership—show you how to position yourself for lasting success strategically. Drawing from decades of experience helping corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders around the world, they reveal how to: → Identify and clarify your unique value, story, and message →  Build credibility and visibility inside and outside your organization →  Use modern platforms and tools to share your expertise effectively →  Create opportunities for promotions, career pivots, and business ventures → Stay authentic while amplifying your impact Packed with real-world examples, step-by-step frameworks, and actionable exercises, this book will equip you to take control of your professional reputation and future—before someone else defines it for you. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #PersonalBrand #ReputationManagement #Leadership #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerAdvice #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceSuccess #InfluenceAtWork

Hiring a friend can feel both generous and like a leadership landmine waiting to explode. Good intentions aren’t enough when power dynamics shift, boundaries blur, and personal relationships collide with professional expectations. The risk isn’t just losing a friendship; it’s undermining trust, fairness, and team culture if the situation isn’t handled thoughtfully. Fortunately, this week’s guest helps us unpack how to navigate one of leadership’s most uncomfortable decisions with clarity and integrity. Dr. Cindi Baldi is the founder and CEO of Culsure, a management science firm, co-host of the Management Muse podcast, and co-author of the Uncertainty Playbook. From blackjack dealer to PhD in organizational behavior, Cindi has seen the full spectrum of workplace behavior. Now she helps leaders across the country understand their people better through data and decades of consulting experience. Cindy explains when hiring a friend can work, when it absolutely won’t, and how to protect both the relationship and the organization if you decide to move forward. You’ll learn how to say no to a friend without damaging the relationship, what boundaries must be set upfront if you do hire them, and why conflict style in friendships is a strong predictor of workplace behavior. In the extended conversation, Cindy goes deeper into the hidden risks of managing friends, including what must be off-limits once a friend reports to you, how oversharing personal information can undermine fairness and trust, and how to lead with integrity when professional and personal lines start to blur. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) The hidden risks and rewards of hiring a friend(03:03) Why friendships change once power dynamics enter the picture(06:00) Using social capital responsibly when recommending friends(12:42) What you can legitimately vouch for when referring someone(15:11) When hiring a friend actually makes strategic sense(17:03) The bias trap leaders fall into with people they like(20:25) How to protect fairness when making the hiring decision(22:36) Setting expectations before your friend starts the job(27:02) Power dynamics that make hiring a friend a bad idea(30:31) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when your friend applies but isn’t a good fit(36:29) [Extended Episode Only] Preventing personal boundaries from bleeding into work 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bDdd0ol67WBTmohak12Nyi8XKXUOvWjVWfG4edyXDvo/edit?usp=sharing   ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Cindi Baldi 🔸 Connect with Cindi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindibaldi  🔸 Follow Management Muse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/management-muse-podcast/  🔸 Subscribe to Management Muse on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ManagementMusePodcast  🔸 Follow Management Muse on Instagram: https://instagram.com/managementmuse  🔸 Follow Management Muse on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/managementmusepodcast  Guest Bonus: 3 Book Giveaway: The Uncertainty Playbook: 14 Strategies for Work Success in a Chaotic World There is a blizzard of uncertainty—technological, geopolitical, demographic, climate-related, and more—impacting us at work today, and it is only accelerating.  Drawing on two decades of research and practice by organizational scientists Geoffrey Tumlin and Cindi Baldi, this book equips readers with essential strategies to grow and even flourish in unstable times. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Salary conversations are inherently complex and challenging, filled with hidden traps. They are high-stakes, deeply personal, and blend factors like budgets, fairness, expectations, and emotions. Since these discussions are infrequent, many managers lack the necessary practice, which adds to the difficulty. Fortunately, this week’s guest breaks down exactly how to navigate compensation conversations with confidence, clarity, and leverage, without damaging relationships or risking the offer. John Gates is an author and founder of Salary Coach, where he helps C-suite executives and senior leaders negotiate higher compensation packages without risking their job offers or future relationships. John’s unique approach, born from his extensive experience in corporate recruiting, consistently helps his clients secure 10-20% more in their pay packages, even in challenging job markets. In this episode, we explore the biggest mistakes candidates and managers make when discussing pay, how to respond to the dreaded “What are your salary expectations?” question, and how to negotiate thoughtfully before an offer is on the table. If you want to avoid losing great candidates and negotiate with confidence, this conversation is for you. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:05) Why salary conversations feel so intimidating(05:48) The biggest mistake candidates make early in the process(08:41) How recruiters decide whether to move you forward(12:10) A smarter way to answer “What are your salary expectations?”(17:06) Why giving a range protects your leverage(21:42) The danger of accepting an offer too quickly(26:09) Common fears that stop people from negotiating(30:12) How effective negotiation actually works(33:16) [Extended] The exact script for handling salary screeners(37:59) [Extended] Gender differences in negotiation fears(45:02) [Extended] Using trade-offs and benefits to close compensation gaps📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R7mD2jYo8pYIIohhkBWaoi9fHLnj1yp24F7bPl00-LY/edit?usp=sharing    ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with John Gates - Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngates-salarycoach/ Guest Bonus: Free PDF download of Chapter 5 of his book: Use a Range, not a Number. John is providing members of podcast+ a PDF download of Chapter 5 of his book: Use a Range, not a Number. In this chapter, he provides actionable advice and plug-and-play scripts for how to talk about a salary range so you avoid getting screened and don’t end up leaving money on the table. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #SalaryNegotiation #CareerGrowth  #JobSearchTips #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #SalaryExpectations #PayNegotiation #InterviewTips #CareerAdvice #JobInterview

When disruption hits your team, confidence often drops, communication gets messy, and progress slows. But disruption isn’t the problem; how we respond to it is. Fortunately, this week’s guest offers a clear, practical framework for leading with steadiness even when everything around you is shifting. And just as importantly, he explains how we can become positive disruptors in order to facilitate a brighter future. Patrick Leddin is a global speaker, former Army Ranger, Vanderbilt professor, and bestselling author of Disrupt Everything and Win. He shares how managers can help their teams stay focused, take smart risks, communicate clearly, and build healthier relationships during periods of uncertainty. If you want to lead with more clarity and confidence when change hits, this conversation gives you the tools to do it. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Rethinking disruption as opportunity rather than threat(02:17) Why mindset shapes everything(03:30) How disruptions show up at work and in life(09:59) The danger of avoidance, “waiting it out,” and living in survival mode(11:11) What it means to be a positive disruptor(14:27) The 5 Positive Disruptor Roles (24:10) The 4-step disruptive leadership cycle(26:30) The 16 disruptive strengths (31:03) Keep up with Patrick(38:20) [Extended] Creating conditions for positive disruption inside your team’s culture(39:08) [Extended] Clarifying decision authority so your team knows when they can act(40:35) [Extended] Disrupting unhealthy workplace relationships 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gn-X2Pv1G3algfHWZDD0Vf9hDscJxW6gIKfivGVUY9Y/edit?usp=sharing   ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Patrick Leddin - Follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickleddin/ - Visit his website: www.patrickleddin.com Guest Bonus: 2 Book Giveaway! Patrick is giving away two copies of his new book, Disrupt Everything and Win: Take Control of Your Future. Every day, we are confronted with sudden pivots at our workplace and in the job market, with changing technology such as artificial intelligence, unexpected crises, and a culture of chaos, and with that sinking feeling that we are losing control of our lives. This book is about taking back control. It's easy to follow and easy to turn into lifelong habits. It has been thoroughly researched and examined.  You must enter the drawing by January 9th, 2026.  To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Ever feel like you should know more, be more confident, or have everything figured out by now? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you don’t need to be a “know-it-all” to be an exceptional leader. In fact, the strongest leaders today share one trait: They are learn-it-alls, people who grow through challenges instead of shrinking from them. Fortunately, this week’s guest brings a powerful, actionable framework that helps managers move from self-doubt into genuine capability. Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit, a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time. We explore why action transforms confidence faster than motivation ever could, how to stop perfectionism from stalling your growth, and how “possibility spotting” turns obstacles into opportunities for advancement. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not ready, not experienced enough, or not “the right fit,” this conversation will help you step forward as the leader you truly are. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction: Why imposter syndrome spikes when stepping into leadership(01:12) What imposter syndrome really is (and why nearly everyone experiences it)(05:42) Why we undervalue ourselves when taking on bigger roles(08:30) Confidence through action, not waiting to feel ready(11:18) Building leadership skills through mentors, reps, and learning(13:44) Why difficult conversations trigger self-doubt for new managers(15:56) Owning your gaps to build credibility(18:03) Asking for help and advocating for your development(22:58) Finding opportunities inside constraints(25:57) [Extended Only] Why everyone has imposter syndrome(26:45) [Extended Only] Damon’s 4-step framework for overcoming imposter syndrome(34:05) [Extended Only] Turning obstacles into an advantage 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MDa7N-6PlvtCn8v2-Nvau0HB7Ljq7OzM5r3sutaU1Do/edit?usp=sharing   ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Damon Lembi and The Learn-It-All Podcast Connect with Damon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembiFollow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembiFollow him on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/damonlembiSubscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@learnittrainingListen to The Learn-It-All Podcast: TheLearnItAllLeader.comExplore Learnit: Learnit.comCheck out his book The Learn-It-All Leader: https://a.co/d/5oebQ6a Guest Bonus (available to members of Podcast+): FREE Digital Version of Learn-It-All Leader In The Learn-It-All Leader, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi shares: How being a "Learn-it-All" vs "Know-it-All will set you up for success and get you invited to more happy hours!A three-step approach to overcoming imposter syndromeHow to use Purposeful Awfulizing to overcome fear and build resilienceDiscover why treating your employees as a team rather than as family can lead to greater successWhy you should choose potential over experience in the hiring processWhat the “Trust Tax” is and why it’s worth payingHow a leader's personal model of integrity is crucial to creating trust and a thriving workplaceA proven model for building great teamsHow implementing a culture of continuous learning & professional development helps attract & retain talentWhy you should focus on elevating strengths over improving weaknessesWith entertaining anecdotes and inspirational examples, The Learn-It-All Leader is a compelling guide to being your best and playing to win every time. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #Leadership #Management #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceSkills #ManagerTips #BusinessMindset #GrowthMindset #ImposterSyndrome #ContinuousLearning #LeadershipMindset #TeamManagement #CareerAdvice

In a world that constantly demands breakthrough solutions, do you ever feel like innovation is reserved for a select few, or that you’re simply not "creative enough"?  This week’s guests are here to set the record straight: that we are all capable of creative thinking if we just give ourselves permission and a little guidance.  Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden are the co-authors of Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World. Tessa is a cognitive scientist exploring how we work, learn, and innovate. She is a co-founder of Harvard's Next Level Lab and teaches Design Thinking and Innovation at Harvard, DCE, and Stanford D School. Rich is the founder and CEO of People Rocket, which helps leaders and teams overcome innovation hesitation; there, they guide clients through the innovation-ish approach, a flexible human-centered framework built on mindset shifts, small adaptive steps, and reflective practice he also teaches at Stanford D School. In this episode, we're cutting through the myth of the "right-brained" innovator. You’ll learn how to integrate the six innovation mindsets into your work, overcome "innovation hesitation," and embrace your "whole brain" approach to problem-solving. This conversation offers practical tools to foster fresh thinking within your team, create space for ideas to thrive, and give you the concrete tools to move those ideas forward, no matter your role. Plus, in the extended episode, Tessa and Rich share tips for normalizing failure and using “F-Up Nights” to build a culture that learns from failure. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction – Why experimentation beats opinion-driven decision-making(01:18) The root of spiraling: fear, assumptions, and cognitive bias(04:02) Why small experiments create big clarity(07:10) The danger of optimizing parts of a system instead of the whole(10:42) A real-world case study: redesigning a supply chain through small tests(15:45) Why most ideas fail and why that’s a good thing(18:04) How emotional attachment to ideas sabotages good decisions(21:30) Cognitive caution: What your brain is really doing when you avoid failure(25:14) Practicing emotional regulation while testing ideas(28:33) Creating a culture where testing > guessing(30:20) [Extended only] How leaders can use data to reduce conflict and opinion-driven debate(36:24) [Extended only] Normalizing failure and learning from it as a team(40:18) [Extended only] Global “F-Up Nights” and how leaders can model healthy failure📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KFafl5klc5iycyAmqq_Mlqp3ARyogW-mCWto2HNGfNc/edit?usp=sharing    ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨ Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨ Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1  Keep up with Tessa Forshaw & Rich Braden Follow Tessa on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessaforshaw/Follow Rich on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcoxbraden/Get a copy of Innovation-ish here: https://a.co/d/5Dhg9wH Guest Bonus: 1st Chapter of Innovation-ish: How Anyone can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World Innovation-ish is your no-nonsense guide to unlocking your innate creativity. This book shows you how to solve problems and generate solutions in a huge variety of personal and professional situations. Tessa and Rich demystify the myths that surround innovation, reveal the six mindsets that underlie innovation, and show how the moves you make drive innovation forward. And they share the latest relevant cognitive science research in a compelling and digestible way - no degree required. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a  working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #DesignThinking  #Experimentation #ManagerTips #BetterDecisions #LeadershipSkills #WorkplaceLearning #Innovation #Creativity #CreativeThinking #InnovationMindset #Leadership #ProblemSolving #TeamInnovation #GrowthMindset #SkillBuilding #ProfessionalGrowth #ThinkSmart #LeadershipDevelopment

When the world around you feels chaotic, leading a team can feel overwhelming, especially when your inner world is just as loud. Most managers try to push through, rely on willpower, or double down on doing more.  But in reality, external chaos only becomes manageable when we learn to work with the internal chaos driving our emotions, reactions, and habits. Fortunately, this week’s guest helps us unpack exactly why leaders get stuck in overwhelm and how to shift back into clarity and confidence. Rob Kalwarowsky is a world-renowned executive coach, author of the best-selling book Capitalizing on Chaos, and keynote & TEDx speaker. We explore the hidden parts of ourselves that shape our leadership, the subconscious fears that drive “DIY leadership,” people-pleasing, and imposter syndrome, and the practice that brings you back to center when everything feels too much. If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling, overworking, micromanaging, avoiding decisions, or doubting your capability even when you're successful… this conversation will help you understand what’s happening inside your brain and what to do next. Rob’s practical framework gives you the mental tools to lead yourself and your team with steadiness, self-awareness, and strength, even when everything feels uncertain. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction – Leading through internal and external chaos.(01:07) How self-awareness impacts leadership and team dynamics.(04:14) The DIY Leader—When doing everything holds you back.(07:44) TA tool for acknowledging stress and building empathy.(10:25) Understanding internal leadership behaviors.(16:21) Using self-awareness to improve interactions and decision-making.(19:41) Applying the “Parts Framework” to enhance collaboration.(22:50) How your internal state affects team morale.(24:41) Recognizing and managing energy-draining saboteurs.(30:39) [Extended only] Team strategies for shared language and stress signals.(32:56) [Extended only] Using vulnerability and playful cues to improve team communication. 📚 Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Take the Saboteur Assessment here  Keep up with Rob Kalwarowsky - Follow Rob on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kalwarowsky/  - Subscribe to his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveCoachRobK  - Check out his book Capitalizing on Your Strengths here: https://www.robkalwarowsky.com/capitalizing  Guest Bonus: 10 Book Giveaway and Free Find Your Reason Worksheet The Find Your Reason worksheet (PDF Download) is designed to clarify your goals and to support you in overcoming any subconscious resistance to taking action. Studies show that writing down your goals increases your probability of achieving them to 42% and sharing them with me increases it even further to 70%.  Who wouldn’t spend a few minutes to dramatically improve their chances of success? 10 book giveaway of Capitalizing On Chaos: The Executive’s Guide to Succeed in Disruption. We all have the capacity to demonstrate ineffective and even harmful behaviors, creating our own version of chaos. But we also have the capacity to change. To find our true selves inside of the uncertainty. And to move forward by moving beyond our circumstances to proven leadership strategies for organizational growth. Capitalizing on Chaos is the handbook on bringing order and clarity to the future of work.To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! --------------------------------------------------------------- #leadership #management #workplacewellbeing #professionaldevelopment #personaldevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #careeradvice #selfawareness #mindsetmatters #stressmanagement #emotionalintelligence #overcomingoverwhelm #performanceatwork #leadershipskills #workculture

Managers play a crucial role in shaping how employees experience work. But when ADHD enters the mix, good intentions can backfire if not handled thoughtfully. With the right mindset and tools, you can create a space where everyone performs at their best. Fortunately, this week’s guest brings both personal and professional expertise to this conversation. Rita Ramakrishnan is an executive leadership coach and consultant who helps neurodivergent professionals and their teams amplify their strengths and work more naturally. Her work focuses on neurodivergent leadership success, helping individuals and organizations embrace differences as a pathway to thriving. In this episode, Rita and I explore what ADHD looks like in adults, why it’s often misunderstood, and how managers can support themselves and their teams through empathy, structure, and flexible systems. You’ll learn strategies for managing focus, energy, and motivation, plus how to build habits that sustain success over time. In the extended episode, Rita shares how to approach conversations about ADHD respectfully, even when a team member hasn’t disclosed, and how to foster a collaborative, psychologically safe culture that supports everyone’s best work. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction: Why ADHD awareness matters for managers(01:02) Meet today’s guest: Rita Ramakrishnan(03:04) How ADHD shows up in adults, and why many go undiagnosed(06:16) The connection between neurodiversity, performance, and burnout(09:28) Building psychological safety for employees with ADHD(12:47) Shifting from fixing people to redesigning work(17:11) The right way to talk about ADHD (and what not to say)(22:08) Supporting focus, follow-through, and accountability on your team(25:11) Managing ADHD Team Members(30:22) [Extended Episode Only] Raising sensitive topics with empathy and care(33:35) [Extended Episode Only] Redesigning roles and work for energy and well-being 📚 Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Rita Ramakrishnan - Follow Rita on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaram - Visit Iksana here: https://www.iksana.com Guest Bonus: 20% Off Coaching Services Rita is offering members of Podcast+ 20% off her coaching services. She provides executive and team coaching specifically designed for neurodivergent leaders and the teams who work with them, helping executives leverage their cognitive differences as strategic advantages while creating psychologically safe, high-performing environments. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #ADHDAtWork #NeurodiversityInTheWorkplace #LeadershipDevelopment #InclusiveLeadership #PeopleManagement #WorkplaceWellbeing #TheModernManagerPodcast

Have you ever had a great idea but struggled to get others on board? You don’t need a title to have influence; you need a strategy. Fortunately, this week’s guest knows exactly how to build credibility and momentum without formal power. Tami Reiss is an expert on influence-driven leadership. She’s a keynote speaker, corporate trainer, and CEO of Leader Within, where she helps leaders master influence and maximize impact. Through tools like the LEAD Framework, MAP, the Influence Canvas, and the Confident Communicator GPT, she makes leadership concepts practical and accessible to professionals around the world. Her latest passion project is a rhyming illustrated book on leadership. In this episode, Tami shares how to use the MAP Framework (Manifest, Assess, Promote) to move ideas forward, align your vision with others, and build relationships that lead to collaboration instead of resistance. We explore what to do when your ideas are dismissed, how to avoid losing your cool under pressure, and why influence is really about connection, not control. In the extended conversation, Tami shares practical tools for managing crisis moments with calm, rallying allies before big decisions, and communicating risks in ways that help others listen and engage constructively. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction: Why Influence Without Authority Matters(02:09) The MAP Framework: Manifest, Assess, Promote(05:06) Why Influence is About Connection, Not Power(09:15) Manifesting a Vision That Inspires Buy-In(12:38) Assessing Stakeholders and Building Relationships(17:02) Promoting Your Ideas Authentically(21:19) Managing Pushback and Reframing Resistance(25:26) Lessons from Great Managers: Buy-In vs. Being Right(29:03) Connect with Tami Reiss(30:35) [Extended Episode Only] Staying Calm and Building Allies in Crisis(34:24) [Extended Episode Only] The “Meeting Before the Meeting” to Gain Real Support 📚 Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Tami Reiss - Visit Tami’s website here: https://tamireiss.com - Follow Tami on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamireiss - Follow Tami on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/reisstami - Subscribe to her Leader Within newsletter here: https://leaderwithin.substack.com - Watch Tami’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/tamireiss - View her speaker reel playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/tamireiss — get a peek into the energy she brings to audiences. - Download the free M.A.P. Canvas here: https://learn.myleaderwithin.com/influence - Read her blog here: https://learn.myleaderwithin.com/blog/ - Pre-order her upcoming book What Do Product Managers Do? A Primer for Aspiring PMs of All Ages here: https://mascotbooks.com/product/what-do-product-managers-do-a-primer-for-aspiring-pms-of-all-ages/ - Explore her custom GPT, The Leader Within: Tami from Miami, here: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-679afb821a6c81918edef32295c26b8b-the-leader-within-tami-from-miami Guest Bonus: Mastering Executive Presence Online Course for $49 Mastering Executive Presence is a practical, high-impact course for leaders who’ve been told to “show up stronger” but were never shown how. You’ll learn and practice real behaviors across Awareness, Adaptability, Authenticity, and Authority to build trust, increase influence, and lead with confidence in every high-stakes moment. ($499 value)  To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #Leadership #InfluenceWithoutAuthority #CommunicationSkills #ManagerTips #WorkplaceInfluence #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #SoftSkills #TeamManagement #CareerSuccess #LeadershipMindset #PeopleSkills #Collaboration #EffectiveCommunication #ManagerAdvice #OfficePolitics #LeadershipTools

Are you showing up as your full, authentic self or just the version you think others expect? Authenticity isn’t a matter of oversharing or saying whatever’s on your mind. It’s about honesty balanced with humility and vulnerability, the kind that builds genuine trust and stronger teams. Thankfully, today’s guest brings both experience and expertise to this conversation.  Mike Robbins is the author of five books, including Bring Your Whole Self to Work and his latest, We’re All In This Together. For the past 25 years, Mike has been a sought-after keynote speaker and executive coach who delivers keynotes, workshops, and coaching programs for some of the top companies in the world. His clients include Google, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Walmart, eBay, Schwab, and many more. In this episode, we delve into what it truly means to “bring your whole self to work,” examine why self-righteousness undermines connection, and explore how vulnerability cultivates trust and psychological safety. Mike shares his “authenticity equation” and practical ways managers can model openness without crossing professional boundaries. In the extended conversation, Mike delves deeper into the art of authentic appreciation, why most people are uncomfortable receiving praise, how to cultivate a culture of gratitude on your team, and the key distinction between appreciation and recognition. He also shares a powerful team practice, “the appreciation seat,” that helps managers cultivate belonging and empathy at work. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction: Why Authenticity Matters at Work(01:03) The Challenge of Showing Up Authentically(01:46) The Authenticity Equation Explained(03:14) Removing Self-Righteousness from Your Leadership(06:55) The Subtle Ways Self-Righteousness Shows Up in Coaching(10:21) Lowering the Waterline on the Iceberg(16:24) The Art of Appropriate Disclosure(18:53) Navigating Grief and Personal Struggles at Work(22:30) Authenticity, Identity, and Belonging(26:11) The Power of Sweaty Palm Conversations(30:18) Connect with Mike Robbins(31:07) [Extended Only] The art of appreciation: how to give and receive it authentically(37:38) [Extended Only] Recognition vs. appreciation—what every manager should know 📚 Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Mike Robbins - Connect with Mike on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrobbins/  - Follow Mike on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mikedrobbins/ - Visit Mike’s website here: https://mike-robbins.com/  - Follow Mike on X here: https://x.com/mikedrobbins  - Follow Mike on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikedrobbins  Guest Bonus: Book Giveaway: 3 Copies of We're All in This Together: Creating a Team Culture of High Performance, Trust, and Belonging In this book, corporate consultant Mike Robbins dives deep into the ways great businesses build trust, collaborate, and operate at their peak level. The book’s core principles include facilitating an environment of psychological safety, fostering inclusion and belonging, addressing and navigating conflict, and maintaining a healthy balance of high expectations and empathy.  Throughout, Mike shares powerful exercises and tools he’s successfully utilized in the keynote speeches, group sessions, and corporate retreats that he delivers so that you and your team can communicate more authentically, give and receive feedback with skill, and create deeper connections. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #AuthenticLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerTips #WorkplaceCulture #PsychologicalSafety #Vulnerability #TrustAtWork #Leadership #Management #TeamLeadership #WorkCulture #ProfessionalGrowth #HumanCenteredLeadership #FutureOfWork #TheModernManager

At some point in your career, you’ve probably worked with someone who is on the autism spectrum, but you might not have known. There are many misconceptions about autism, which damage how we understand and therefore support these colleagues. Viewing autism through a new lens can help every manager unlock hidden potential and design environments where everyone thrives. Today’s guest brings both personal experience and professional insight to help us all better appreciate the talents of neurodiverse team members.  Clain Udy is reshaping the way society views autism by shifting our perspectives from deficit-focused to one that sees autism through a strengths-based lens. As the father of a high-functioning autistic adult son, Clain has spent over two decades researching and investigating what it takes to help his son and other autistic individuals have successful, fulfilling careers. Clain’s new book, Rebranding Autism: A Guide to Seeing Strength on the Spectrum, details his journey from initially thinking he had to “fix” his autistic son to wholeheartedly embracing his son’s beautifully unique strengths. In this episode, we explore how autism shows up in the workplace, what managers often misunderstand about communication and performance, and practical ways to create environments where neurodiverse employees can do their best work. In the extended conversation, Clain shares how managers can better understand social communication preferences, why “chasing normal” harms both managers and employees, and how reframing autism as a different but equally valid way of processing the world changes everything about inclusion. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction – Understanding how neurodivergent brains enrich the workplace(02:03) The hidden prevalence of autism in professional environments(04:38) Dispelling misconceptions and shifting from deficit-based thinking(07:16) Recognizing the strengths of autistic individuals(12:34) Adapting environments for sensory and cognitive needs(13:43) Communication strategies that support neurodivergent team members(20:12) Strength-based management and inclusive leadership(25:14) Real stories of inclusive managers in action(29:18) [Extended Episode Only] Building authentic relationships with neurodivergent employees(34:54) [Extended Episode Only] Designing communication to meet different social needs 📚 Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Clain Udy - Check out his website: https://autismelevated.com/ - Follow Clain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clainudy/ - Follow Clain on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Autism-Elevated/61559009841770/ - Follow Clain on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismelevated/ Guest Bonus: 10 Book Giveaway: Rebranding Autism: A Guide to Seeing Strength on the Spectrum This insightful book is both a memoir and a practical guide that aims to dismantle the current assumptions and mindset around autism and empower parents, educators, and employers to recognize and nurture the inherent abilities of autistic individuals. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Neurodiversity #AutismAwareness #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceInclusion #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerTips #FutureOfWork #TeamManagement #PsychologicalSafety #HumanCenteredLeadership #TheModernManager #AutismAtWork #Neurodiversity #InclusiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerTips #WorkCulture #Inclusion #WorkplaceInclusion #Leadership #Management #TeamLeadership #FutureOfWork #PeopleManagement #AutismAwareness

Most people don’t set out to be “bad bosses.” But good intentions aren’t enough when your habits unintentionally create frustration, fear, or disengagement. Thankfully, today’s guest helps us see what’s really happening beneath the surface.  Mita Mallick is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling author. She’s on a mission to fix what's broken in our workplaces. She’s a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses and has had an extensive career as a marketing and human resources executive. In this episode, we explore what makes a bad boss (and how to avoid becoming one). Mita reveals common behaviors that erode trust, how to give feedback that empowers instead of intimidates, and why inclusive leadership is the foundation of a healthy culture. You’ll learn small, everyday actions that rebuild connection, create safety, and turn self-awareness into your most powerful leadership tool. In the extended members-only conversation, Mita opens up about the “Nap Boss,” “Tony Soprano,” and “Sheriff” archetypes—real examples of toxic leadership behaviors that managers can learn from. She also shares practical ways to respond to bullying or bias at work, including how to use the “Five Ds” framework to intervene and support colleagues safely and effectively. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics  (00:00) Introduction: What makes a “bad boss”?(00:51) Meet Mita Mallick and her leadership journey(02:40) The myths we believe about being a good boss(05:12) Why well-intentioned leaders can still be toxic(08:43) Understanding inclusion as a leadership skill(12:25) How to recognize your own blind spots(17:18) Building trust and psychological safety(21:36) Giving feedback with care and clarity(25:49) The small habits that make a big difference(29:10) Keep up with Mita(31:46) [Extended Episode Only] The Nap, Tony, and Sheriff bosses’ workplace impact(36:18) [Extended Episode Only] How to intervene: The Five Ds model 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cw9_72_BLtfr5vsjDbb-U2Nb5KuX56A5Jo6TSGmOaWc/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 ✨Learn more about the 5Ds in episode 109 with Emily May: https://www.themodernmanager.com/podcast-109 Keep up with Mita Mallick - Follow Mita on LinkedIn here - Check out her book here Guest Bonus: 10% off Book Consulting Services If you’ve wanted to write a book, this is for you. Get hourly book consulting services from idea generation all the way to marketing your book and selling it to your audience. Priced at $750/hr, members of Podcast+ get a 10% discount.  To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadership #Management #WorkCulture #ToxicWorkplace #BadBoss #GoodManager #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamLeadership #ManagerTips #WorkplaceCulture #SelfAwareness #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleManagement #ProfessionalGrowth #ManagerAdvice #LeadershipPodcast

Layoffs are some of the hardest moments a manager can face. How you handle them can shape not just the experience of the employees leaving but also the morale and trust of the team that remains. Today’s guest brings expert guidance on navigating these challenges with empathy, clarity, and professionalism. Leanne Elliot is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, Consultant, and Coach with a proven track record of building workplaces that empower teams and enable performance. She is also co-host of the award-winning psychology podcast, Truth, Lies & Work. Breaking into the prestigious HubSpot Podcast Network in 2022. The show is dedicated to helping business leaders simplify the science of the workplace. In this episode, Leanne explains how managers can approach layoffs thoughtfully, manage confidentiality effectively, communicate clearly, and care for both departing employees and the remaining team. She shares practical frameworks to make these tough conversations more human and less stressful. In the extended members-only conversation, Leanne dives deeper into strategies for managers who are themselves being laid off and how to prepare for career transitions while maintaining professional composure. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics  (00:00) Introduction(01:59) Layoffs vs Firings(03:15) Managing Confidentiality and Clear Communication(04:51) A Manager's Role in Layoff Decisions(07:30) Supporting Remaining Team Members After a Layoff(12:05) Practical Frameworks for The Tough Conversation(16:40) Creating a Compassionate Layoff Process(20:15) Key Behavioral Science Insights for Managers(24:50) Maintaining Team Morale and Trust(29:07) Connect with Leanne (31:23) [Extended Episode Only] Supporting Your Team After a Layoff(34:05) [Extended Episode Only] If You Are the One Being Laid Off 📚 Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Leanne Elliot  - Follow Leanne on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/ - Follow on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork/ - Learn more on her website here: https://truthliesandwork.com/ - Explore Oblong HQ here: https://oblonghq.com/ Guest Bonus: 1 FREE Career Transition Coaching Program This free three-session coaching program helps you navigate career transitions with psychology-based tools and practical support. You’ll reflect on past experiences, clarify your values, and set clear goals for your future work. Learn more about the program here. Enter the drawing by November 7, 2025. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadership #Management #Layoffs #EmployeeExperience #WorkplaceCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #ManagerTips #CareerTransitions #TeamManagement #ProfessionalGrowth

Why do so many projects spiral into stress, shifting priorities, and endless risks while others seem to flow smoothly toward success? What if the difference isn’t just about tools or methods, but about how you lead? Thankfully, today’s guest brings a fresh, human-centered approach to project management.  James Louttit is the author of Leading Impactful Teams: Achieving Low Stress Success in Project Management, a leadership coach, and a former CIO who now trains managers and business leaders around the world. His work blends real-world experience with practical tools to help managers lead projects with clarity, sustainability, and impact. In this episode, James introduces his “eight lenses of project management” and reveals why prioritization is often the missing key to project success. He shares powerful ways to engage stakeholders, identify and manage risks, and avoid common mistakes in estimating time and effort.  Along the way, James offers stories and frameworks that any manager, whether formally a project manager or not, can use to keep work on track and teams energized. In the extended members-only conversation, James explains how to properly scope your projects and define quality, two notoriously tricky areas that can make or break your results. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction to Project Management(01:44) The Eight Lenses of Project Management(03:13) The Importance of Prioritization(07:54) Agile vs. Waterfall Project Management Approaches(10:23) Engaging Stakeholders Effectively(17:20) Managing Risks in Projects(24:09) Time Management and Estimating Effort(30:40) Keep Up with James(31:30) [Extended Episode Only] How To Properly Scope Your Projects(33:10) [Extended Episode Only] Defining Quality In Project Management Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with James Louttit - Follow James on LinkedIn here - Subscribe to his YouTube channel here - Join the IPM Community with a free 7-day trial here Guest Bonus: Free Audio Book: Leading Impactful Teams and 3 FREE 1-Year Membership to IMP Community Leading Impactful Teams is a lively exploration of the "lenses" of project management – Scope, Prioritisation, Time, Cost, Quality, Risks, Team and Stakeholders – that will enable the reader to develop a "sixth sense" for potential issues that could derail their project. It provides a practical toolkit to help you and your team deliver great project outcomes with minimum stress and maximum fun.  The IPM Community helps you deliver projects on time, on budget, and without burnout through bite-sized lessons, tactical tools and weekly peer support. Created by James Louttit, author of Leading Impactful Teams, it’s a no-jargon, no-exam space where professionals learn fast, share real challenges, and lead with confidence.   To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #ProjectManagement #Leadership #TeamManagement #TeamSuccess #ProjectPlanning #AgileLeadership #RiskManagement #ProjectManagementTips #LeadershipSkills #TeamPerformance

What if your greatest strengths aren’t the ones listed on your résumé, but universal traits we all share?  Positive psychology shows us that tapping into these character strengths can transform how we work, lead, and connect with others.  These aren’t just feel-good ideas; they’re proven tools for resilience, performance, and deeper human connection. Fortunately, this week’s guest brings exactly the expertise we need to show how these character strengths can transform our work and leadership. Natalya Pestalozzi is a professional certified coach through the International Coaching Federation and a positive psychology expert with a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology. She trains practitioners worldwide through the Flourishing Center’s Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology program and coaches leaders in private equity, nonprofits, think tanks, and the federal government. Through her own journey in motherhood, she has a special passion for coaching parents before, during, and after pregnancy. In this episode, Natalya shares how positive psychology goes beyond “toxic positivity” and equips us with the tools to flourish. She introduces the 24 VIA character strengths, explains how to spot and balance them in yourself and your team, and shows why cultivating these universal traits builds stronger trust, collaboration, and authentic leadership. In the extended episode, Natalya reveals what to do when someone says they don’t want to change because they see it as inauthentic, and she shares the five character strengths most correlated with happiness and life satisfaction. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics: (00:00) Introduction(02:32) How positive psychology differs from toxic positivity(06:53) The PERMA model and the role of strengths in engagement(10:20) Examples of VIA character strengths in the workplace(14:20) Why it’s sometimes hard to use our strengths at work(17:40) Overuse and underuse of strengths(19:27) Practical ways to grow and show strengths as managers(23:41) Which strengths are particularly helpful for managers(27:23) A story of a great manager and early career mentorship(33:41) [extended episode] Aligning strengths and values for authentic growth(37:11) [extended episode] Ideas for weaving these strengths into team culture Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Natalya Pestalozzi:  - Connect with Natalya on LinkedIn here  - Take the VIA strengths character assessment - To discover more or enroll in CAPP, check out: https://theflourishingcenter.com/natalya/ The program begins October 21st. - Learn more www.natalyapestalozzi.com  Guest Bonus: Masterclass in Positive Psychology and the Science of Flourishing Recording and Finding the Golden Mean PDF The 60‑minute webinar recording explores the cutting‑edge science behind human flourishing—then translates it into simple, practical actions you can start using the same day. Through research‑backed insights and interactive micro‑exercises, you’ll discover how tiny shifts in mindset and behavior can ignite big gains in vitality, connection, and purpose.  What You’ll Learn: Flourishing vs. Languishing: Spot where you (and those you serve) sit on the Mental Health Continuum—and how to move upward.  Pathways to Peak Well‑Being: The six evidence‑based drivers of positivity, engagement, achievement, meaning, relationships, and vitality.  Why Happiness Fuels Success: Break the myth that you must succeed first to be happy—see how positive emotions actually power performance.  Taming the Negativity Bias: Simple brain‑based hacks to counter worry, rumination, and “what‑ifs.”  Micro‑Interventions That Stick: Gratitude, savoring, kindness, and other two‑minute practices that measurably lift mood and resilience. Prioritizing Positivity: Craft days that naturally generate more joy—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.  The Golden Mean is using character strengths in a balanced way (optimal use). It is when you apply the right combination of character strengths, to the right degree, in the right situation. This PDF shows the underuse, overuse, and optimal use of character strengths To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #PositivePsychology #CharacterStrengths #Leadership #WorkplaceSuccess #TeamCulture #FlourishAtWork

Why do so many managers struggle to let go of tasks, even when they know that holding onto everything stifles their ability to scale?  The secret is to document things so clearly that others can succeed without you. Fortunately, today’s guest is an expert at helping leaders let go.  Chris Ronzio is the Founder and CEO of Trainual, a platform reshaping how businesses onboard, train, and scale their teams. A lifelong entrepreneur, he helps leaders unlock growth by mastering the art of documenting and delegating. Chris is also the bestselling author of The Business Playbook: How to Document and Delegate What You Do So Your Company Can Grow Beyond You. Beyond work, he’s a husband, father, and passionate Phoenix Suns fan. In this episode, Chris shares frameworks and strategies to help managers create clarity, engage their teams in documentation, and free themselves up to focus on what matters most. In the extended conversation, Chris explores how to turn documentation into a team sport, cascade delegation across levels, and troubleshoot when processes aren’t followed—revealing practical ways to finally stop doing it all yourself. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:34) Why managers struggle to let go(06:23) Delegation tools and frameworks(14:38) Training and ramp-up expectations(17:31) Tools and systems for documentation(19:15 ) The Four Ps of a business playbook(22:40) Building culture through documentation(25:56)  Keeping documentation alive(29:47) Documentation as a team sport (Extended Episode Only)(32:43) Delegation cascades across the team (Extended Episode Only)(34:18) When processes aren’t followed (Extended Episode Only) Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Chris Ronzio - Follow Chris on LinkedIn here - Follow Trainual on Instagram here - Learn more on his Website here - Explore Trainual's platform here  Guest Bonus: FREE PDF: The 4 Ps: What to Document While not an exhaustive list, this extensive 4-page PDF will give you a good starting point when deciding what policies you need to document first. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Groups are the foundation of everything we accomplish in work and life.  Yet, as every manager knows, collaborating with others can be both the greatest strength and one of the hardest challenges.  What makes some teams thrive while others struggle with friction and disengagement? Fortunately, this week’s guest, Dr. Colin Fisher, has dedicated his career to uncovering the hidden processes that make groups effective.  Colin is an associate professor of organizations and innovation at University College London’s School of Management, a researcher featured in outlets like Harvard Business Review and BBC, and the author of The Collective Edge. His work sheds light on how managers can structure and guide their teams to harness the true power of collaboration. In this episode, Colin explores the dynamics that shape effective teamwork, from setting clear goals to designing the right team structure, establishing norms, and fostering psychological safety.  Whether you’re leading a small project team or a large organization, you’ll gain practical insights on how to unlock your group’s collective potential. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(03:47) Why groups matter more than individual effort(07:02) The benefits of teamwork beyond accomplishing tasks(09:52) Two key levers to designing effective teamwork(13:42) Why structure matters more than pep talks(18:30) The critical elements of team composition, size, and boundaries(22:10) How to set goals that are clear, challenging, and consequential(26:50) Establishing effective norms for communication and psychological safety(29:21) About Colin’s book and where to find more resources(31:05) [Extended Episode Only] Resetting your team’s culture when things feel stuck Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Colin Fisher - Follow Colin on X (Twitter) here - Connect with Colin on LinkedIn here - Follow Colin on Instagram here - Visit Colin’s website here - Check out his book The Collective Edge here Bonus: Meeting Makeover guidebook In lieu of a guest offer this week, I’m offering members of Podcast+ access to my brand-new Meeting Makeover guidebook. It’s a step-by-step workbook that empowers you to finally fix your bad meetings once and for all. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What if your greatest strength as a leader isn’t your expertise but your ability to lead people who are completely different from you? In today’s diverse workplaces, managers can’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding how to adapt your leadership to different personalities, backgrounds, and working styles is key to building high-performing teams because, let’s be honest, everyone is different from you. Thankfully, today’s guest brings decades of wisdom on how to do it well, sharing practical strategies for inclusive, effective leadership. Stephanie Chung is an international bestselling author, strategic innovator, and expert in human capital management with more than 30 years of experience turning challenges into opportunities.  She shares why understanding privilege isn’t about guilt but about using what you have to serve others, and how her ALLY framework (Ask, Listen, Learn, and Act Yourself) helps leaders embrace curiosity, build stronger relationships, and unlock the power of truly diverse teams. ✨In the extended episode for members, Stephanie goes deeper into the EARN approach and how to create engaged, high-performing, diverse teams. Become a member of Podcast Plus for extended episodes, guest bonuses, and more at themodernmanager.com/more  Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction: The Uniqueness of Individuals(00:35) Meet Stephanie Chung: A Force in Business Growth(01:11) Understanding Differences in the Workplace(05:22) The Concept of Privilege in Leadership(09:25) Leveraging Privilege to Empower Teams(19:00) The Power of Curiosity in Leadership(21:55) Creating Inclusive and Effective Teams(28:51) Conclusion: Embracing Diversity for Success(31:12) [Extended Episode Only] Stephanie shares the EARN approach to building teams.Additional Resources ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation= ✨Read the transcript here Keep Up With Stephanie Chung- Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn here- Follow her on Instagram here- Like her on Facebook here- Follow her on TikTok here- Learn more on her Website here- Watch her speaker reel on YouTube Shorts:@thestephaniechung- Subscribe to her Newsletter here Guest Bonus: 3 Book Giveaway: Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You.Stephanie is giving away three copies of her book Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You. This book is not just about traditional leadership; it's about revolutionizing leadership practices to be more effective in a rapidly changing corporate world. This issue transcends categories of race, gender, sexual orientation, different abilities, and age - it's a universal concern that affects everyone. 👉To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community: https://themodernmanager.com/more  --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Most workplaces are designed with extroverts in mind, with open offices, constant collaboration, and fast-paced discussions. But this often leaves introverts struggling to fully contribute, even though their insights can be some of the most valuable. Thankfully, today’s guest, Salvatore Manzi, brings clarity and solutions.  Salvatore is a leadership communications coach and the author of Clear and Compelling. With over 20 years of experience helping leaders amplify their influence, he specializes in equipping teams to communicate more effectively and harness the strengths of both introverts and extroverts. In this episode, Salvatore shares how to design team practices that give introverts the space they need to thrive, including meeting structures, pre-work, and ways to balance workplace energy. You’ll also learn how to recognize and encourage quiet leadership, so managers of all styles can succeed. In the extended conversation, Salvatore explores how to “break the seal” to engage introverts early, why metaphors can be a powerful communication tool, and additional strategies for fostering inclusive, high-performing teams. ✨Get FREE episode mini-guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. 👉http://www.themodernmanager.com/miniguides Listen to the conversation now! Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:44) Introvert vs. Extrovert Behaviors(06:46) The Ten Second Rule & Choosing Words Carefully(11:01) Why Pre-Work Levels the Playing Field(15:16) Managing Workplace Energy and Avoiding Burnout(18:23) Remote vs. In-Office Needs for Introverts(23:02) Quiet Leadership, Boundaries, and Preparation(28:00) Best Boss Ever & Lessons in Leadership(28:46) Keep Up with Salvatore.(31:12) [Extended Episode Only] Breaking the Seal: Engaging Introverts Early(33:47) [Extended Episode Only] Metaphors Move Minds: The Power of Imagery 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 ✨Read the transcript here ✨Check out Susan’ Cain’s book on introverts Quiet here Keep up with Salvatore Manzi - Connect with Salvatore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatorejmanzi/  - Get his book: https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/ccpb/  Guest bonus: 3 Free Consultations Salvatore is giving away a free consultation to 3 members of Podcast+. This complimentary 75-minute virtual consultation (plus a 30-minute follow-up) is designed to help leaders address a real team challenge, whether it’s navigating feedback, introducing change, preparing a high-stakes presentation, or planning an off-site. 👉 To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community: https://themodernmanager.com/more  --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.

What if the most important management skill you need today isn’t a tool or strategy? But the ability to read and respond to the people around you?  In a world shaped by AI and constant disruption, emotional intelligence has become the competitive edge for leaders and managers. Thankfully, today’s guest brings practical and research-backed ways to build that edge.  Jamelle Lindo is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence specialist who has helped thousands of leaders increase their effectiveness through a proven emotional empowerment process. In this episode, Jamelle explains what emotional intelligence really is, why it matters more than ever, and which EQ skills (empathy, assertiveness, self-awareness, and stress tolerance) drive results in leadership. He shares concrete tools, from structuring feedback so it lands to using simple reflection practices that build self-awareness, to help you lead with clarity and confidence. In the extended members-only conversation, Jamelle goes deeper into building self-awareness, using the emotion wheel, balancing empathy and assertiveness, and embedding EQ skills into daily leadership practices. ✨ Podcast Plus members get access to an extended conversation with Jamelle, guest bonuses, and more. Become a member at themodernmanager.com/more and get free mini-episode guides delivered to your inbox each week. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics (Subscribers) (00:00) Introduction(02:20) Why emotional intelligence matters more now(04:33) What emotional intelligence is (a practical definition)(05:53) Key EQ skills that matter: empathy, assertiveness, self-awareness, stress tolerance(09:19) Building assertiveness(16:03) Receiving feedback and reframing toward learning(24:15) A great manager story: asking, “What does great leadership look like for you?”(26:02) Keep up with Jamelle & Closing(27:08) [Extended Episode Only] Self-awareness research: internal vs. external self-awareness and why most people miss it(33:17) [Extended Episode Only] The emotion wheel and 30-day reflection practice for building awareness(35:23) [Extended Episode Only] Balancing assertiveness & empathy through presence  Additional Resources ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/  ✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle  ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=  ✨Read the transcript here Keep up with Jamelle - Follow Jamelle on LinkedIn here - learn more on his Website here - Watch his speaker reel on Vimeo here Guest bonus: 10% off All Services 1. Emotional Intelligence Assessments & Debriefs   We use scientifically validated EQ assessment reports (such as the EQ-i 2.0®) to identify individual or team emotional intelligence strengths and gaps. The debrief process (60-90 minute virtual debrief session) translates the results of the EQ report into practical, real-world insights and action steps for improved leadership and workplace effectiveness.   2. Executive & Leadership Coaching   Our one-on-one coaching supports leaders in building emotional intelligence skills that drive influence, decision-making, and resilience. Each engagement is customized using our Emotional Empowerment Process™ to ensure measurable behavior change.   4. Keynote Speaking & Thought Leadership   I deliver inspiring, science-based keynotes on emotional intelligence, emotional empowerment, and leadership in the age of AI. Each session is designed to spark awareness and motivate audiences to unlock their full potential.   5. Workshops & Training Programs   Our experiential workshops help participants develop practical EQ skills in areas such as self-awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution. Programs are designed for all organizational levels and are fully customizable to strategic priorities. 👉 To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community: https://themodernmanager.com/more  --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What if understanding how your brain actually works was the key to unlocking higher performance, better decisions, and more resilient leadership?  Many leaders focus on strategies and skills without realizing that lasting change starts by rewiring how we think. Fortunately, this week’s guest brings decades of experience helping leaders do just that.  Larry Olsen is an expert in performance-driven neurology, a best-selling author, and the founder of Aperneo. He works with organizations to harness the power of neuroscience to shift mindsets, break through limiting beliefs, and create sustainable high performance. In this episode, Larry explains the crucial difference between the brain and the mind, why predictability can actually work against leadership growth, and how to identify and replace the beliefs that hold you back. You’ll learn about neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to change—and how to apply practical “brain hacks” to transform your thinking and your results. In the extended episode, Larry dives deeper into applying these insights in everyday leadership, including how to coach teams through change and build a culture of mindset mastery. Podcast Plus members get access to the extended episode, guest bonuses, and more. Become a member at themodernmanager.com/more and get free mini-episode guides delivered to your inbox each week. Conversation Topics  (00:00) Introduction to the Power of Neuroscience(00:19) Meet Larry Olsen: Performance-Driven Neurology Specialist(01:13) Understanding Neuroscience Performance(03:40) The Brain vs. The Mind(07:07) The Brain's Predictability and Leadership Challenges(10:08) The Importance of Changing Beliefs(13:38) Neuroplasticity and Changing Your Mindset(18:09) Practical Applications and Brain Hacks(25:32) Wrapping Up: Insights and Resources(27:02) [Extended Episode Only] Coaching teams through mindset change(29:16) [Extended Episode Only] Building a culture of neuroscience-based leadership Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep Up with Larry Olsen. - Connect with him on LinkedIn here.  - Visit his website for more here. - Listen to his podcast & watch videos here. - Get his book: Get a Vision and Live It here. Guest Bonus: 20% off coaching with Larry.  In these sessions, Larry will help you lead with values, shift your mindset, and create lasting success. You’ll gain tools to eliminate doubt, enhance happiness, parent effectively, and achieve more with ease and clarity. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you wait for the perfect moment to speak up, only to have the conversation move on without you? What if the secret to becoming a confident, impactful communicator wasn’t planning every word, but learning to improvise? This week’s guest reveals how improvisation isn’t just for the stage, but a powerful, everyday skill that can transform how you connect, influence, and lead. Today’s guest is Jeff Mondoro. Jeff is an improviser, learning designer, executive coach, and a dad. He started his career in finance but discovered the world of improv in his mid-twenties and never looked back.  In this episode, Jeff explains why improv isn’t about being funny, but it’s about building on others’ ideas, listening deeply, and embracing uncertainty.  You’ll learn how micro-experiments in your meetings can create more space for collaboration, and how clarifying language early prevents misalignment. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Jeff and I discuss why adopting a growth mindset is essential for success, how to encourage team members to share unpolished ideas, and why humor works best when it’s co-created. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:56) What improv really is and isn’t?(07:42) Applying improv to meetings(14:09) From shaking with nerves to speaking with ease(17:00) Simple practices to build your improv skills(24:07) How to help your team become better listeners(26:31) A great manager Jeff has worked for(28:00) Keep up with Jeff(29:06) [Extended Episode Only] The surprising link between growth mindset and improv(35:54) [Extended Episode Only] How to bring humor to the workplace without offending anyone Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Check out Jeff’s book recommendation Improvisation for the Theater here  Keep up with Jeff Mondoro - Follow Riff Consulting on LinkedIn - Visit Riff Consulting for more information here Free 1-hour Workshop: Intro to Improv with Riff Consulting In this one-hour class, we'll explore some of the fundamental tenets of improvisation: presence, active listening with 'yes, and', and the ability to quickly pivot and build with your scene partners. The virtual course will be highly experiential and involve a series of paired and small-group exercises. We'll also debrief and discuss how you might apply each principle in your work as a manager. The workshop will be held on Thursday, September 25th at 11am Eastern (8am Pacific, 4pm British time) To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What if the biggest threat to your team’s creativity and performance isn’t the workload but outdated ideas of what “professionalism” should look like? It’s easy to fall into the trap of performative professionalism: obsessing over sounding smart, dressing the part, and following invisible rules about how “real professionals” should behave. But all that effort often masks the very things that fuel creativity, innovation, and productivity. Today’s guest is here to flip the script on professionalism and show you how to bring more fun into work without being labeled unprofessional. Meet Bree Groff. Bree is the author of TODAY WAS FUN: A Book About Work (Seriously) and a transformation expert who’s advised leaders at Microsoft, Google, Pfizer, and more. In this episode, Bree reveals the difference between functional and performative professionalism, shares simple rituals that create psychological safety, and explains why micro acts of fun at work (whether you’re on site or fully remote) are actually strategic for building team trust. Plus, in the extended episode available exclusively to Podcast+ members, Bree shares practical tips on how to respond when someone calls you “unprofessional” and other small ways to infuse fun into the workday. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:23) Understanding functional vs. performative professionalism(06:20) The problem with wearing “business masks”(10:17) How to balance client expectations (15:22) What real professionalism looks like in practice(21:07) How to talk about professionalism with your team(25:04) The impact of human-first leadership(27:35) A great manager Bree has worked for(29:30) Keep up with Bree(30:19) [Extended Episode Only] How to respond when someone says you’re unprofessional(35:32) [Extended Episode Only] Other ways to bring more joy and fun into the workplace Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Bree Groff - Follow Bree on LinkedIn and Instagram - Grab a copy of her book, Today Was Fun, here - Subscribe to Bree’s Substack here FREE 1-A-Day Calendar Bree is giving Podcast+ members a 1-A-Day Calendar for free. This playful calendar provides 30 days of prompts—a quote, a provocation, or a little something to try—to help you love your days. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Self-distraction is one of the biggest productivity challenges we face today.  It’s easy to get lost in the constant flow of thoughts. A simple “I need to remind Kevin to send me that document,” takes us away from our current activity, preventing us from completing the tasks that matter most. No wonder we feel overwhelmed and constantly rushing. But here’s the good news: Today’s guest is on a mission to help managers and teams break free from this cycle of overwhelm and start getting things done effectively and efficiently. Meet Mridu Parikh. Mridu is a productivity coach who helps busy professionals take control of their time, energy, and focus—so they can perform at their best without feeling overwhelmed. She empowers leaders and teams to reduce stress, prioritize effectively, and create lasting systems for success. She’s also the host of the top-ranked Productivity on Purpose podcast. In this episode, we dive into Mridu’s ACTION framework—a seven-step approach to increasing productivity by minimizing distractions, committing to Power Hours, time blocking effectively, systemizing your approach, and more.  Beyond individual productivity tips, we also cover how teams can build a culture of focus and how to respectfully say no (even to your boss). Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:52) The surprising reason most of us are overwhelmed(04:02) How to get things done using the ACTION framework(16:26) Tips for getting everything out of your head(18:42) Start small with focused work blocks(20:45) Using technology to stay focused, not distracted(22:49) How to say no to a team member and even your boss(27:43) Why time planning is important(28:27) A great manager Mridu has worked for(29:36) Keep up with Mridu(29:55) [Extended Episode Only] Time blocking vs. time planning(33:12) [Extended Episode Only] How to build a productive culture as a team Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Check out OneTab here  Keep up with Mridu Parikh - Follow Mridu on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook - Subscribe to Mridu’s Productivity on Purpose Podcast here - Grab a copy of her book, Accomplish It, here 30% Off A One-Hour Productivity Coaching Call Mridu is offering 30% off a one-hour productivity coaching call to members of Podcast+. During this call, Mridu will help you gain clarity, focus, and control over your time, so you can follow through on what matters most. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you walk out of meetings feeling more exhausted than empowered? Are toxic behaviors affecting your team?  Navigating a workplace with individuals who show signs of narcissism, Machiavellianism, or psychopathy can be incredibly challenging. But understanding the root of these toxic behaviors is key to managing them effectively, and today’s guest is here to help us do just that. Meet Dr. Sheela Reddy. Sheela has more than 25 years of experience in Trauma-Informed Leadership Psychology, a PhD in multicultural systems psychology, and a fellowship in trauma. She is a published author, speaker and coach.  She loves conducting experiential learning workshops to increase EQ and develop empathy for diversity in teams for organizations. She is most passionate about increasing mind health, reversing the effects of trauma, and developing empowered, liberated, skilled & resilient diverse female leaders.  In this episode, Sheela and I explore the core elements of narcissism, Machiavellism, and psychopathy, and how these often show up as manipulative or emotionally abusive behaviors at work.   She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) and teaches how we can build distress tolerance to deal with toxic behaviors in high-pressure situations. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Sheela uncovers the surprising link between toxic behaviors and emotional intelligence. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:26) Understanding the Dark Triad in the workplace (05:42) The effects of toxic behaviors in team dynamics(09:17) Unpacking the root causes of toxic workplace behaviors(12:49) What to do if you recognize unhealthy patterns in yourself(15:04) How to handle negative emotions in a productive way(18:45) Strategies for managing interactions with toxic colleagues(25:38) A great manager Sheela has worked for(29:37) Keep up with Sheela(30:24) [Extended Episode Only] The surprising link between toxic behaviors and emotional intelligence Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Dr. Sheela Reddy - Follow Sheela on Instagram - Check out Rise Mind’s official website for more information here Live LinkedIn Sessions: Your Bi-Weekly EQ Boost Join Dr. Sheela Reddy every other Thursday at 12:30 PM ET or Friday at 12:00 PM ET for free live sessions on LinkedIn. Explore various EQ abilities and practical tips to help you manage stress, improve your mood, and strengthen your relationships. Connect with Sheela on LinkedIn to join! Dive Deeper: Free Podcast on Self, Interpersonal & Leadership Skills Continue your growth journey with Sheela’s podcast, RISEMIND - EQ Evolution, where you explore essential skills for developing a more empowered self, mastering interpersonal management, and honing your leadership abilities.  FREE EQ Assessment and Tame the Tough Boss Article Members of Podcast+ get two amazing bonuses from Sheela this week: a FREE EQ Assessment and Tame the Tough Boss Article The first 20 members to sign up will receive a complimentary EQi 2.0 assessment (a $100 value!) followed by an exclusive group consultation. During this session, we'll delve into your personalized results, providing you with actionable tips to boost your EQ for personal and professional success. And, get practical strategies to navigate challenging professional relationships with Sheela’s article: "Tired of Walking on Eggshells? How to Manage Your Difficult Boss (Without Getting Fired)."  To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Are you struggling to form new habits that actually stick? If you’ve ever found yourself failing to break old habits, it’s likely because you’re using the wrong habit formation strategies.  Thankfully, today’s guest is going to unlock the key to transformational behavior change so you and your team can successfully adopt new ways of working. Today’s guest is Jason Hreha. Jason is a behavioral scientist and entrepreneur who, after studying at Stanford and working in BJ Fogg's Behavior Design Lab, developed the Behavioral Strategy framework for business challenges.  As CEO of Persona, he combines behavioral science assessments with rigorous vetting to connect companies with exceptional talent. Previously, as Global Head at Walmart, he established the first Fortune 100 behavioral science team. Jason is also the author of Real Change, a book redefining habit formation and personal growth.  In this episode, Jason shares a breakthrough approach to behavior change that will reshape the way you think about habits. We explore the distinction between habits and transformative practices and why most people fail by choosing habits that are too complex or misaligned with their personality. Jason also explains the importance of behavior matching and how it can help both individuals and teams adopt the right practices for lasting impact.  Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Jason shares practical, human-centered strategies to break bad habits for yourself and your team. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:55) Habits vs. transformative practices(05:46) The problem with habit-forming strategies(08:15) Why behavior matching is more effective(10:47) Respecting individual strengths and weaknesses(17:31) How managers can introduce new team practices effectively(21:01) Exploring new behaviors as a way of growth(24:44) A great manager Jason has worked for(27:18) Keep up with Jason(28:09) [Extended Episode Only] How to break a bad habit for yourself or a team member (35:49) [Extended Episode Only] Embracing personality traits for effective behavior change Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Jason Hreha  - Follow Jason on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram - Follow Persona for more updates on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Facebook - Subscribe to The Behavioral Scientist on YouTube here - Visit Persona Talent and The Behavioral Scientist for more information FREE: First Half of Real Change: Moving Beyond Habits to Achieve Lasting Transformation Jason is providing members of Podcast+ with the first half of his book Real Change: Moving Beyond Habits to Achieve Lasting Transformation, for free! This book debunks the myths of habit hacking and guides you towards meaningful, lasting transformation through the innovative Transformative Practice Path.  Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this book will empower you to create the meaningful life you’ve always desired. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Documentation isn’t just a system—it’s a daily habit that you can master. When was the last time you actually enjoyed documenting a meeting or your thought process?  For most of us, documentation feels tedious and intimidating. Just the idea of making things “official” can stir up fear that it might one day be used against us.  Fortunately, this week’s guest brings a fresh perspective on why documentation is worth embracing and mastering. Today’s guest is Adrienne Bellehumeur. Adrienne is the owner of Risk Oversight, a consulting firm specializing in SOX, CSOX, internal control, and internal audit programs. She is also the author of The 24-Hour Rule—and Other Secrets for Smarter Organizations, which you can think of as the first “mass market” book on documentation best practices. She regularly speaks about documentation, workflow, and productivity best practices to professional groups and organizations of all sizes and industries. In this episode, Adrienne breaks down the Big D vs. Little D concept, revealing why daily, individual habits matter more than fancy systems. You’ll learn how simply processing meeting notes within 24 hours can save your team hours of frustration and rework. We also explore practical strategies, such as using central repositories and establishing team-wide documentation standards. Additionally, we dive into the value of handwritten notes vs. digital tools, and how to avoid “Groundhog Day” meetings by writing things down. If your team keeps having the same conversations or you’re buried in sticky notes, this episode is a must-listen. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:47) Big D vs. little D: What you need to know about documentation(04:08) Common manager struggles with meeting notes(08:05) The 24-hour rule explained(12:23) How client audits benefit from quick documentation(18:03) How to capture and present a big chunk of information(22:25) Handwritten notes vs. digital tools: Which works better?(27:19) Keep up with Adrienne(28:18) [Extended Episode Only] How to effectively organize digital documents (34:52) [Extended Episode Only] When to get feedback to avoid rewriting your draft Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Check out The Bullet Journal Method here  Keep up with Adrienne Bellehumeur - Follow Adrienne on LinkedIn here - Get a copy of her book here - Check out Risk Oversight here for more information - Visit Adrienne’s official website here to keep up with her work FREE 6 Steps of Dynamic Documentation + Productivity as a Team Sport Workbook Adrienne is giving members of Podcast+ 2 incredible PDFs.  First, the 6 Steps of Dynamic Documentation. Whatever your current go-to practices for personal productivity, information management, and documentation look like, these 6 steps will give you simple strategies to work smarter, faster, and better—for yourself, your team, and your whole organization. And second, Productivity as a Team Sport Workbook. This workbook shares the 8 Super Secrets of Team Productivity that have been tested with organizations and professional groups across industries. The focus? Real, lasting results for knowledge workers that teams can apply immediately. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you constantly feel overwhelmed by your leadership role? Are you always reacting to everyone else’s agenda instead of creating your own? What if you could reclaim your power and lead confidently through any situation? Today’s guest reveals exactly how to make that shift. Meet Dr. Sharon Melnick. Sharon is recognized as a Marshall Goldsmith Top 50 executive coach and is the author of three books including In Your Power (2022), Success Under Stress, and Confidence When it Counts. Her mission is simple: Equip all leaders with the toolkit they need to claim their power and amplify it to achieve dramatically positive outcomes for all. In this episode, Sharon redefines what real power looks like in the workplace and shares practical strategies to help managers take back control, even in challenging situations. She reveals how to shift from reactive to proactive leadership through tools like the “thermostat” metaphor and the “cooling breath” technique. Plus, she breaks down how to stop giving away your power to others’ expectations and how to lead from a place of strength. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:17) What does power truly mean(03:49) What throws us off our game and makes us feel powerless(06:42) Thermometer vs. thermostat metaphor for leadership(09:57) Ways to step into your power or regain it after losing it(13:25) The importance of setting a clear “horizon point”(15:22) A quick technique to calm down a situation(18:15) How seeking approval from others gives away your power(27:29) The relation between burnout and power(29:22) Keep up with Sharon(30:12) [Extended Episode Only] How to help your team members step into their power  Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Sharon Melnick - Follow Sharon on LinkedIn and Facebook - Get your burnout-proof checklist here - Check out Sharon’s official page here for more Book Giveaway: A Signed Copy of Her Book In Your Power Sharon is giving away a signed copy of her book In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others to one member of Podcast+ Whether dealing with an underperforming team member, an undervaluing boss, an undermining colleague, a difficult family member or partner, or the overwhelm of too much to do, we can find ourselves feeling “out of our power.” This book guides you through twelve Power Portals, giving you a new approach to stop reacting to others’ limitations and instead raise yourself and others to be limitless.  To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Leadership can feel overwhelming, especially when the world around you is constantly changing. But what if small, science-backed changes in how you lead could create a bigger impact than you ever imagined?  This week’s guests will explore key findings from their research on the nine science-based traits of effective leadership, enabling us to become better managers today. Meet Margaret Moore and Jeffrey Hull. Margaret is the Founder of Wellcoaches Corporation, Co-founder of the Institute of Coaching, and a faculty member with the Harvard Medical School Office of Global Education. She has over twenty-five years of C-suite roles and experience coaching C-suite executives by blending leadership, coaching, and science. Jeffrey is an Executive Director and Coach with the Institute of Coaching and Founder of Leadership Inc. He brings over 30 years of translating science into leadership as a consultant, psychologist, and teacher at New York University and Harvard Medical School. Together, Margaret and Jeffrey co-authored the new book, The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact. In this episode, they unpack the key findings on the essential leadership traits that define effective leadership today and how these traits can help managers respond to challenges while fostering a positive work environment. They also explore actionable strategies, including the role of positive psychology, why intentional pauses in leadership matter, and how embracing flexibility can drastically improve your team’s performance. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:54) The alarming state of managers today(07:00) The Science of Leadership explained(11:00) Why leadership agility is essential in today’s world(19:31) The power of pauses in leadership(25:18) How positivity in leadership can boost creativity(29:26) Great managers Margaret and Jeffrey have worked for(34:58) [Extended Episode Only] How to stay optimistic amidst today’s disruptions(39:39) [Extended Episode Only] The 5 kinds of psychological capital Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Check out the Gallup research here  Keep up with our guests - Follow Margaret on LinkedIn here - Follow Jeffrey on LinkedIn here - Get a copy of Flex: The Art and Science of Leadership in a Changing World here - Grab a copy of The Science of Leadership here FREE Science of Leadership Assessment and Discussion Guide Jeffrey and Margaret are providing members of Podcast+  an excerpt from The Science of Leadership that includes the nine capabilities assessment as well as a readiness to change assessment. In addition, they’re giving members a discussion guide to easily explore the nine leadership capacities alone or with your team. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you feel like you’re drowning in your task list?  You know delegation is important. You know your team wants to contribute. But still, something holds you back—whether it’s fear of mistakes or the lack of time to explain things. You don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. Joining me today is Dallas Burnett. Dallas is the founder and CEO of Perforam and author of "Lift," "MOVE!" and "Caveman Delegation," He is a performance management expert dedicated to transforming how organizations unlock potential. He partners with senior executives to design unique people systems that reduce turnover, boost productivity, and increase profits. In this episode, Dallas dives deep into the common fears that prevent managers from  delegating, such as the fear of failure and the belief that it’s quicker to do things themselves. He introduces his simple yet effective “Caveman Delegation” model, a four-step process that helps managers confidently delegate tasks, processes, and outcomes without micromanaging. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Dallas discusses how tools like the Enneagram can help you better understand your team’s personalities—so you can delegate in a way that sets everyone up for success. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:13) The stigma associated with delegation(04:59) Overcoming the fear of failure when delegating(07:27) Debunking the myth that delegation takes too much time(09:06) The Caveman Delegation model explained(17:16) Delegating tasks vs. processes vs. outcomes(26:21) Why risk and reversibility analysis matter in delegation(29:11) A great manager Dallas has worked for(31:05) Keep up with Dallas(31:31) [Extended Episode Only] Enhancing delegation through personality types(35:13) [Extended Episode Only] How the Enneagram supports smarter delegation Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Dallas Burnett - Follow Dallas on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) - Subscribe and listen to the ThinkMoveThrive podcast here - Grab a copy of Caveman Delegation here FREE Enneagram compatibility guide based on Caveman Delegation Dallas is providing his Enneagram compatibility guide based on Caveman Delegation for free to members of Podcast+. This guide helps you delegate effectively using Enneagram insights. Discover how to communicate, motivate, and match tasks to each Enneagram type’s strengths. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions at work, unsure about the exact strategy to guide your decisions? This episode will change that. In the business world, the word “strategy” is quite the buzzword. But what does it really mean to think and lead strategically? And what can you do as a manager to get better at it? If you want to stop wasting time and start making powerful strategic decisions no matter your position, today’s guest is here to unpack everything you need to know about being strategic. Today’s guest is Rich Horwath, CEO of the Strategic Thinking Institute. Over the past 20 years, Rich has helped more than one million managers around the world learn how to think, plan, and act strategically. He is a New York Times bestselling author of 8 books on strategy and his vision is to teach the world to be strategic. In this episode, Rich shares his insights on how strategy is often misunderstood and why it’s crucial for everyone—from individual contributors to senior leaders—to think strategically. He breaks down the difference between strategy and tactics, explaining how understanding the distinctions can lead to better decision-making. He also shares a practical framework for everyday strategic thinking and how to manage your time, allocate resources wisely, and pivot when necessary to stay on course Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Rich delves into what isn’t strategic thinking and the tools that will help you act more strategically. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(00:23) The difference between strategy and tactics explained(04:10) Why strategy matters at every level of the organization(06:08) The 3 As framework: Acumen, Allocation, and Action(07:57) What it looks like to apply the 3 As framework in practice(12:06) Making smart decisions through resource allocation(18:34) How to stay strategic in a constantly changing environment(22:39) A real-world example: Adjusting tactics to align with strategy(25:30) A great manager Rich has worked for(26:39) Keep up with Rich(27:27) [Extended Episode Only] What it looks like when you’re not being strategic(30:59) [Extended Episode Only] Tools to help you act more strategically Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Rich Horwath - Follow Rich on LinkedIn here - Subscribe to his YouTube channel here - Listen to the Strategic Minds Podcast here - Check out StrategicThinking Institute here for more Book Giveaway - 5 copies of Strategic AND Free White Paper on Delegation Rich is giving away five copies of his book STRATEGIC: The Skill to Set Direction, Create Advantage, and Achieve Executive Excellence, which Inc. Magazine described as “A top 4 must read business book to kick off the year.” In the book, Rich shares practical tools, tips, and techniques he’s developed over two decades that can help you think, plan, and act strategically in every area of your business.   And, members of Podcast+ can download Rich’s White Paper: Lead at Your Level, which addresses the importance of delegation to a leader’s success. In the article, Rich shares the four factors that are crucial to effective delegation and the ability to unlock dozens of hours of extra time each year. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

You’re in a team meeting, someone starts talking… and keeps talking.  They lose their train of thought, fill the air with “likes” and “ums”, and before long, the point is lost. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. Because here’s the truth: verbal communication isn’t innate—it’s a learned skill.  And this week’s guest has spent 35 years helping people master it. Meet Ruth Milligan. Ruth is a 35-year communication veteran. Her career has included being a speechwriter, press secretary, marketing consultant, and, for the last 15 years, communication coach and trainer. She is the author of Motivated Speaker with her co-authors and colleagues, Acacia Duncan and Blythe Coons. In this episode, Ruth shares why speaking is a learned habit—not a natural gift— and why catching habits early in low-stakes settings sets the stage for success when the pressure is on. You’ll learn why filler words, overtalking, and disorganized thoughts sabotage your message and how to fix them with practical, proven tools for you and your team. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Ruth breaks down how to stop saying “um” and reveals the six threshold concepts for learning to speak well. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:39) Common mistakes people make when communicating(07:18) Why listening to yourself is the best feedback tool(13:58) Handling slow speakers and ramblers: what actually works(18:28) Pre-meeting coaching that helps your team speak better(25:03) The power of practicing before you speak (and what to rehearse)(27:57) A great manager Ruth has worked for(29:31) Keep up with Ruth(30:55) [Extended Episode Only] How to finally stop saying “um”(33:09) [Extended Episode Only] The six threshold concepts for learning to speak well Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Ruth Milligan - Follow Ruth on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of her book, The Motivated Speaker, here 5 Book Giveaway Ruth is giving away five copies of her book, The Motivated Speaker: Six Principles to Unlock Your Communication Potential, to members of Podcast+. In this book, you will discover practical and accessible approaches that will help you establish powerful habits in your speaking practice. You’ll understand what’s preventing you from being influential and persuasive, and build a new foundation toward being a highly effective communicator. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What if the most valuable thing you can build in your career isn’t a product, a strategy, or even a list of accolades—but a community? We all know relationships matter. Yet most of us haven’t been taught how to build them with real intention.  Today’s guest is here to help you and your team rethink what’s possible when we shift from collecting contacts to cultivating purposeful connections. Meet David Homan. David is the founder and CEO of Orchestrated Connecting, a global community of connectors; Orchestrated Opportunities, an impact-focused advisory firm; and SOAR CONNECT, a start-up focused on the strength of authentic relationships. He hosts a podcast called Orchestrated Relationships focused on developing relationship value.  David has built a network reaching into the most private and incredible circles globally while maintaining a code of purposeful community building called Orchestrated Connecting. In this episode, David unpacks what it means to build emotionally intelligent communities, drawn from his upcoming book Orchestrating Connection. We explore how self-awareness, trust, and shared values are the true foundations of lasting, impactful relationships. We also discuss the difference between simply expanding your network and nurturing it, and why vulnerability and reciprocity are essential skills for today’s leaders.  Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we take a deeper look at how to ask for help from your network in a way that feels respectful and genuine—without making others feel used or taken for granted. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:00) What it really means to build an intentional community(08:15) Why you should be unafraid to share your passions(13:12) Translating personal connection strategies into the workplace(18:22) How to strengthen your relationship with your team members(24:07) Setting boundaries and fostering accountability in community(29:05) A great manager David has worked for(31:25) Keep up with David(32:15) [Extended Episode Only] How to ask people in your network for help  Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Check out the book Leadership Pipeline here  Keep up with David Homan - Pre-order your copy of David’s book, Orchestrating Connection here - Join the Orchestrated Connecting network here Participate in a Modern Manager Exclusive Orchestrated Connecting Virtual Event Join me and other members of the Modern Manager community to experience first hand the power of an intentional community. David will facilitate a virtual session that will strengthen the connections amongst members and foster new relationships that can benefit us all. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

We celebrate the wins. The promotions. The milestones. But no one talks about the price tag that comes with constantly performing at a high level. For Dana L. Cox, that price came quietly—missed family moments, sleepless nights, and a level of exhaustion that no amount of caffeine could fix.  She calls it the “success tax”—the hidden costs we pay in pursuit of achievement. Thankfully, Dana’s here to unpack what that tax really looks like and how to stop overpaying it. Dana is a global executive-turned-coach, Radical Reset Expert, founder of FIX Coaching & Consulting, and author of FROM BURNOUT TO BADASS: Flip the Script on Your Work-Life Balance. She’s helped hundreds of women transition from exhaustion to empowered leadership. Her work integrates cultural wisdom, neuroscience, and strategies for sustainable success. In this episode, Dana reveals how high-achieving individuals unknowingly pay a “success tax” that can hinder their health, relationships, and performance at work, and what we can do to avoid overpaying. Dana shares her experience of facing burnout and provides actionable insights for managers and leaders on how to create work environments that prioritize well-being while still achieving exceptional performance. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, taking intentional time off, fostering a culture of empathy and support within teams, and more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:32) What are “success taxes”?(04:54) The hidden costs of high-performing roles(08:31) Getting things done vs. caring for your team(12:54) How to pay the success tax without burning out(22:05) The power of speaking up(25:14) The third shift: how emotional labor affects women in leadership(28:07) A great manager Dana has worked for(30:38) Keep up with Dana(31:40) [Extended Episode Only] How to talk to your team about burnout Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Dana - Follow Dana on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook - Visit her website here for more information - Grab a copy of her book, From Burnout to Badass, here FREE Career Clarity Checklist + Positioned to Paid Assessment Calls Dana is giving members of Podcast+ her Career Clarity Checklist and is offering a limited number of  Positioned to Paid™ Assessment Calls, all for FREE. The Career Clarity Checklist is your first step to stop spiraling and start leading again. It will help you make sure you're aligned, visible, and ready for what's next. The Positioned to Paid™ Assessment Call is a 30-minute private strategy session designed to help you clarify what’s next, uncover hidden value, and walk away with a custom roadmap. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

You’ve just stepped into a new manager role—congratulations! Now what? The first few weeks can feel like a whirlwind. One day you’re a high-performing individual contributor, and the next, you’re expected to lead a team, set direction, and navigate complex dynamics—all while still figuring out what kind of leader you want to be. Thankfully, today’s guest is here to guide you through those critical first 45 days. Today’s guest is James Turk. James is an executive coach, keynote speaker, facilitator, founder and CEO of The Turk Group, a boutique learning and development consulting firm, and author of The Giving Game – Becoming The Leader That Others Want To Follow.  With more than twenty-five years of experience, James has expertly designed and delivered training and coaching programs and solutions in the areas of leadership development, sales, change management, and strategic planning for clients across a wide range of industries—including financial services, digital media, biotech, and more. His clients include Spotify, Squarespace, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Goldman Sachs, Equinox, and many more. In this episode, James outlines a step-by-step strategy for earning trust, clarifying expectations, and cultivating team alignment early on through consistent rituals like team meetings and one-on-ones. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we dive into the trickier scenarios, like managing former peers, inheriting a team someone else wanted to lead, and managing up when your boss isn’t showing up. Whether you’re a first-time manager (or know someone who is), this conversation is packed with real-world insights to help you lead with confidence and intention—starting day one. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:00) Why transitioning to a managerial role is hard(08:40) How to assess your leadership skills(10:53) Starting strong: earning credibility with your new team(12:52) Building trust as a new manager from day one(16:59) A real-life coaching story from Buzzfeed(23:04) How to spend your first 45 days as a new manager(28:37) A great manager James has worked for(30:57) Keep up with James(31:47) [Extended Episode Only] How to navigate friendships when you become the boss(36:03) [Extended Episode Only] Managing someone who was passed over for your role(38:31) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when your boss isn’t showing up for you Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Check out the book Leadership Pipeline here  Keep up with James Turk - Follow James on LinkedIn and Instagram - Grab a copy of James’s book The Giving Game here - Follow The Turk Group for updates on Instagram and Facebook FREE: The F45 Playbook James is providing members of Podcast+ with the F45 Playbook. Recognizing the first 45 days and the first year as critical for new managers, this playbook outlines exactly what to do in the first six weeks. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you ever sat down to work, only to be pulled in a dozen directions—emails, Slack messages, endless browser tabs—all demanding your attention? You’re not alone. All the technological advancements have made it almost impossible to focus.  But what if it didn’t have to be this way? Fortunately, this week’s guest is here to share with us how you can be more focused at work and finally reclaim your workday. Today’s guest is Marcey Rader. Marcey is a speaker, coach, and author who helps individuals and companies reclaim their workdays with health-powered productivity™. As the founder of RaderCo, she’s worked with Fortune 500 companies and startups worldwide, inspiring sustainable habits to work well and play more. In this episode, Marcey shares why so many of us are more distracted than ever—and what focus really looks like in today’s workplace. She also provides practical advice on how to use project management systems to streamline communication and how structured office hours can empower your team instead. Lastly, for members of the Podcast+, Marcey reveals strategies for effective one-on-ones and a simple but powerful Zoom trick to help you and your team stay focused during meetings. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:49) Why people are more distracted than ever(07:48) The hard truth about multitasking(11:37) How to stay focused at work(16:23) Setting boundaries with work emails(19:52) Can slow replies build independence?(22:01) How to prevent email from derailing your day(29:13) A great manager Marcey has worked for(30:43) Keep up with Marcey(31:15) [Extended Episode Only] How to make one-on-ones more engaging and productive(34:54) [Extended Episode Only] #1 Zoom trick to avoid distractions during meetings Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Marcey Rader - Follow Marcey on LinkedIn here - Get a copy of her book, Reclaim Your Workday, here -  Power up your productivity here - Visit her website for more information here Exclusive Discounted Price for Powered Path Program Members of Podcast+ get Marcey’s Powered Path Program at an exclusive discount. The Powered Path Program is a one-hour productivity boost designed to help you and your team reflect, prioritize, and plan more effectively (without adding extra work to your plate). For managers, this program will help you:  ✅Streamline 1:1s to make them more efficient and action-driven ✅Ensure wins aren’t forgotten by tracking progress throughout the year, not just at review time ✅Make reflection and planning easier so you and your team stay focused on what matters most. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you feel like your team isn’t really listening to you? It might be time to rethink your influence. Many managers assume authority is enough. But real leadership—motivating people to take action—comes from influence. And this week’s guest believes that one of the most powerful ways to build it is by strengthening your communication skills. Today’s guest is Stacey Hanke. Stacey is a leading expert in communication and influence. For over 20 years, she has empowered Fortune 500 leaders and teams to elevate their communication skills to build the trust and credibility needed to influence action.  In addition to being a Hall of Fame speaker, executive coach, and business leader, Stacey is the author of three books, including her newly released book, Influence Elevated, which provides leaders with skills to manage employees and increase accountability in a hybrid work environment.  Her Monday to Monday® philosophy empowers professionals to be impactful in every interaction, from presentations to everyday conversations, helping them drive action and achieve success. In this episode, Stacey and I dive deep into how feedback, self-awareness, and understanding your influence style can drastically improve your leadership presence. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Stacey shares actionable strategies to elevate your influence and highlights common mistakes that can undermine it. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership game and truly connect with your team, tune in and start mastering your influence today! Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:15) Defining influence: What it is (and isn’t)(04:06) Why consistency is key to building influence(08:51) The power of video feedback(13:22) Improving communication style to influence more effectively(17:35) Different styles of influence and their strengths(20:52) Aligning influence style with team goals(23:57) A look at my personal influence style in action(27:41) A great manager Stacey has worked for(29:09) Keep up with Stacey(30:39) [Extended Episode Only] How to elevate your influence(34:54) [Extended Episode Only] Common mistakes people make that jeopardize their influence Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Stacey Hanke - Follow Stacey on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. -Subscribe to her YouTube channel here - Visit her website for more information here FREE Digital Copy of Influence Redefined Stacey is giving members of Podcast+ a FREE digital copy of Influence Redefined. In Influence Elevated: Maximizing Your Connection Monday to Monday®, Stacey unpacks what commonly interferes with our level of workplace influence. She shows leaders how to overcome the ongoing distractions that threaten employee relationships, workplace morale, and productivity. She offers readers actionable practices to create the momentum needed to achieve their goals and experience consistent success. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Are you overwhelmed by the rapid rise of AI in the workplace? AI tools are already being used by managers and teams in various forms. But what are the risks that come with using them? Today’s guest believes that clear guidelines and educational training can help everyone use AI wisely without feeling restricted. Meet Theresa Fesinstine. Theresa is a 25-year HR executive turned AI educator. She has been certified for AI and Business Strategy through MIT in 2023, and has been focused on flattening the AI learning curve for HR and other non-technical functions for almost 3 years.  In addition to her company, peoplepower.ai, she is an adjunct professor of both AI in Business and HR Management for City College of NY - a CUNY institution, and volunteers as a mentor through All Tech is Human. Today, Theresa shares smart, actionable ways to use AI without risking company data or personal privacy. From educating your team to building clear, adaptable AI guidelines, she breaks down how to make AI a powerful tool for managers and their teams. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:52) The truth about AI in the workplace(08:58) How to set AI policies that actually work(11:16) Using AI to enhance your management skills(21:30) How to avoid biases when using AI tools for team management(23:26) A great manager Theresa has worked for(25:35) Keep up with Theresa (26:28) [Extended Episode Only] How to talk to your team about what AI tools they’re already using(32:03) [Extended Episode Only] Is using AI at work considered cheating? Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Theresa Fesinstine - Follow Theresa on LinkedIn here - Visit People Power AI for more information here  FREE PDF People Powered by AI: A Playbook for HR Leaders Ready to Shape the New World of Work Theresa is giving members of Podcast+ a copy of her People Powered by AI: A Playbook for HR Leaders Ready to Shape the New World of Work for free. In this practical and forward-thinking guide, Theresa draws on decades of People & Culture expertise to help HR leaders confidently integrate AI into their everyday work. With real-world use cases, accessible frameworks, and a human-first lens, this book empowers HR professionals to unlock the potential of AI while staying grounded in empathy, ethics, and strategy. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Are you struggling to get your team to perform at its best? Are you unsure about how to unlock the potential of each individual? This week’s guest says the key is inclusive leadership. Meet Kelli Lester. Kelli is co-founder and partner of Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm specializing in individual, team, and organizational behavior transformation. Her “occupassion” lies in fostering environments where inclusive leadership thrives, leveraging over two decades of experience to drive meaningful progress. In this week’s episode, Kelli and I explore what inclusive leadership really looks like, the traits that define it, and the role leaders play in making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. Kelli also illustrates how inclusion isn’t just about people—it’s about ideas and perspectives, too. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, she dives deeper into five other inclusive leadership traits and shares how to navigate style differences without friction. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:13) What is inclusive leadership?(06:18) Inclusive leadership begins with self-awareness(08:49) What an inclusive workplace really looks like(14:04) Inclusion goes beyond people—it’s about ideas, too(19:35) Why inclusive leadership matters(23:13) A real-life story of inclusion at work(27:53) A great manager Kelli has worked for(30:17) Keep up with Kelli(30:43) [Extended Episode Only] Other inclusive leadership traits that every manager can embody(37:34) [Extended Episode Only] Navigating style differences without friction Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Kelli Lester - Follow Kelli on LinkedIn here - Achieve financial empowerment with Onyx Rising’s Money Matters here - Visit Onyx Rising for more information here FREE Inclusive Leadership Traits Assessment Kelli is providing members of Podcast+ her Inclusive Leadership Traits Assessment. The PDF includes an overview of inclusive leadership traits and a self-assessment to help you identify areas for improvement. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Being a working parent shouldn’t feel like a daily juggling act on the brink of disaster.  If you truly want everyone on your team—parent or not—to thrive at work, you need a workplace that lets them show up as their best selves. And today’s guest is the perfect expert to discuss how to make work work for working parents. Today’s guest is Dr. Anne Welsh, a sought after thought leader on working parenthood. After leaving a career at Harvard to create her own firm, Anne draws on her significant training, research, and experience to champion women and working parents in leadership.  She brings expertise in career development, emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and women’s mental health to her work as a consultant, executive coach and psychologist. She supports organizations and individuals through one-on-one work, group coaching for working mothers, and workshops and talks. In this episode, we dive into creating a workplace where parents and caregivers can navigate the many demands of them with greater ease.  Learn how to “parent out loud”, build a culture of empathy, and leverage leadership skills parenting teaches. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Anne shares top tips on how to set yourself or your team up for success after parental leave, and how to be sensitive to individuals struggling with infertility. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:27) Unique challenges working parents face at work(04:22) How COVID blurred work-life balance(06:56) The mental load of working parents (08:21) Normalizing parenting at work(14:52) The five P’s of parenting leadership skills(20:21) Advocating for better workplace policies for working parents(23:55) Why workplace empathy is crucial to working parents(26:03) A great manager Anne has worked for(27:13) Keep up with Anne(27:46) [Extended Episode Only] How to set yourself or your team up for success after parental leave(35:02) [Extended Episode Only] Supporting team members struggling to become parents Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Dr. Anne Welsh - Follow Dr. Anne on LinkedIn and Instagram - Interested in working with Dr. Anne? Learn more here  - Explore Dr. Anne’s partner organization here  25% Off Working Mothers Lifeline Anne is providing members of Podcast+ 25% off her Working Mother’s Lifeline, a 6-month coaching program for women who want to feel more connected and intentional in their lives- moving from just surviving to thriving in working motherhood, in a community of women who get it.  To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Ever felt like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done? You’re not alone—managers know this struggle well. Fortunately, today’s guest has the time mastery secrets to help us take control of our time. Meet Andrew Hartman. Andrew is the founder of Time Boss, a training organization helping leaders and their teams master their week to get the results they want without overwhelm.  Andrew founded Time Boss after burning out several times in early-stage startups, even losing his sense of smell for a season. He has taken all he has learned over the years to build a system to help others avoid the same mistakes and instead find their Highest Sustainable Pace, making more progress on their top priorities and experiencing more peace in their day-to-day schedule. In this episode, Andrew shares game-changing insights on meeting overload, time boxing, and helping out your future self. Plus, in the extended interview available to Podcast+ members, he shares his unique approach to helping your team members manage their time without you micromanaging them and why personal breaks are non-negotiable. Join the conversation now! And check out these 20 Best Team Building Podcasts here! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:54) The truth about time and calendars(06:53) Balancing proactive vs. reactive work(10:07) How to deal with meeting overload(16:31) Treat your tasks like meetings(19:27) Using time studies to track your time(26:39) A success story on effective time management(30:29) A great manager Andrew has worked for(31:37) Keep up with Andrew(32:17) [Extended Episode Only] Empowering your team members by helping them manage their time and priorities(36:03) [Extended Episode Only] The power of time boxing and planning personal breaks Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Consider using a tool like Sunsama to easily combine your calendar and your to-do list   Keep up with Andrew Hartman - Follow Andrew on LinkedIn here - Visit Time Boss for more information here Special Price for Time Boss Digital Course - $49 Andrew is offering an incredible special price of $49 for his Time Boss Digital Course which contains everything you need to immediately upgrade your time habits. Access the Time Boss model in short, self-paced videos and templates to get immediate results in as little as 2 hours. By course end, you'll master getting more done with your time without stress or anxiety. Learn more about the course here. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

How do you make your team members feel truly seen and heard at work? It’s a common struggle for many managers, but this week’s guest says there’s something even more powerful than praising your team. Joining me today is Dr. Caroline Fleck. Caroline is a licensed psychologist, corporate consultant, and an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at Stanford University. She is the author of Validation: How the Skill Set That Revolutionized Psychology Will Transform Your Relationships, Increase Your Influence, and Change Your Life. In this episode, Dr. Fleck explains that validation isn’t just about acknowledging someone’s work; it’s about showing genuine understanding and acceptance of them as individuals. She also shares simple techniques that managers can use to validate their team members, especially when navigating difficult conversations or conflicts. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Dr. Fleck breaks down how validation can support behavior change. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:51) Validation vs. praise: what’s the difference?(04:54) The three components of validation(06:37) Techniques for validating when empathy is difficult(09:12) The impact of intuition in understanding others’ feelings(10:49) How to recover when you get validation wrong(13:09) Why validation is the most crucial quality in relationships(14:54) An example of validation strengthening a manager-employee relationship(19:06) How to validate without agreeing(28:02) A great manager Caroline has worked for(29:24) Keep up with Caroline(30:07) [Extended Episode Only] How to use validation to support behavior change(36:20) [Extended Episode Only] The power of validation in meetings Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Check out these 20 Best Team Building Podcasts here  Keep up with Caroline Fleck - Follow Caroline on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok - Grab a copy of her book here - Visit her website for more information here Discount on Validation: How the Skill Set That Revolutionized Psychology Will Transform Your Relationships, Increase Your Influence, and Change Your Life Caroline is providing members of Podcast+ with a discount on her book Validation: How the Skill Set That Revolutionized Psychology Will Transform Your Relationships, Increase Your Influence, and Change Your Life. Full of captivating stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and actionable takeaways, Validation reveals how the science of seeing and being seen is the key to inner and interpersonal transformation. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you ever left a virtual meeting thinking, “That could’ve been an email.”? Today’s guest used to feel the same. Meet Jill Molee. Jill is the Director of Counseling & College Advisor at College Prep 360. I’ve been lucky to have Jill as a client and I’m grateful she was willing to experiment with me for this on-air coaching call. As the director of a fully remote, client-facing team, her calendar was packed—but not productive. Her meetings lacked clarity, structure, and worst of all, real collaboration. In this special on-air coaching session, Jill shares how she restructured her meetings around open agendas, clear objectives, and authentic team participation. Learn how she used simple tools (like Google Docs and a consistent format) to shift her team meetings from chaos to clarity—creating a culture where team members engage, collaborate, and even look forward to meetings. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:35) Meet Jill Molee of College Prep 360 (03:31) Managing a fully virtual team(04:04) Jill’s meeting strategies that work(06:10) Tips on how to manage time and prioritize better(08:15) Encouraging participation in meetings(12:07) Building community in a virtual team(15:08) Types of meetings Jill runs(18:18) Knowing when to end meetings early(21:19) Encouraging attendance in optional meetings(24:07) Celebrating collaboration outside of meetings(25:08) Leadership lessons and takeaways(27:26) [Extended Episode] Bonus Tips for Improving Meetings Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Jill Molee  - Visit College Prep 360 here FREE PDF: 2 Strategies for Assessing and Improving Your Meetings  This step-by-step workbook walks you through two simple strategies that any manager can immediately implement to improve their meetings. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Most workplaces focus too much on structure and not enough on fun. But what if the secret to a thriving team was something unexpected—like improv? Fortunately, today’s guest is here to break down everything you need to know about improv and how it can benefit you and your team. Meet Joel Zeff. Joel creates energy. His spontaneous humor and vital messages have thrilled audiences for more than 25 years. As a national speaker, work culture expert, author, and humorist, Joel captivates audiences with a unique blend of hilarious improvisational comedy and essential ideas on work and life.  He has shared his experience and insight on collaboration, leadership, change, communication, innovation, fun and passion at more than 2,500 events. His new book, “Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work,” is now available. In this episode, you’ll discover practical ideas for bringing fun into the workplace—from skit nights to appreciation rituals–in ways that translate to greater collaboration every day. Joel and I also discuss why great leaders should focus on setting their teams up for success rather than simply directing them. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we talk about navigating change with an improv-inspired mindset. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:49) How improv principles improve teamwork and leadership(05:31) Examples of improv games and their workplace implications(13:07) Why fun at work matters (and how to introduce it)(17:15) Building “team currency” through shared experiences(22:07) The best question a leader can ask(26:10) How to facilitate an improv game with your team(30:53) A great manager Joel has worked for(34:49) Keep up with Joel(36:33) [Extended Episode Only] How to navigate change with an improv mindset(43:07) [Extended Episode Only] The one thing you can’t do in improv (and why it matters for teams) Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here  Keep up with Joel Zeff - Follow Joel on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of his book Make the Right Choice here - Visit his website for more information here Free Excerpt on Teamwork from Make the Right Choice Joel is providing members of Podcast+ with an excerpt on Teamwork from his book Make the Right Choice.  To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

We all have thought patterns that work against us—whether it’s feeling like an imposter, overextending ourselves at work, or assuming the worst in situations.  Today’s guest breaks down eight negative mindsets that prevent professionals from thriving. Meet Cynthia Pong. Cynthia is an award-winning executive coach and speaker who empowers women of color leaders to advance their careers into positions of power. A Forbes Contributor and LinkedIn Top Voice for Job Search and Career, she has been featured in HBR, The Atlantic, and on NBC, CBS, NPR, and more. Cynthia’s book, Don’t Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color, has cemented her as a foremost voice on career advancement, negotiation, and thought leadership. In this episode, Cynthia shares how we can recognize and reframe limiting beliefs, such as the martyr complex, regretful thinking, and comparison bias, to step into our power with confidence. Through real-world examples, you’ll learn actionable strategies to develop a growth mindset, set healthier work boundaries, and show up as your best self.  Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:35) Dealing with the martyr complex in the workplace(10:31) Self-doubt isn’t always imposter syndrome(14:56) The impact of a weaker locus of control (20:09) Letting go of regretful thinking(23:44) Judgmental thinking creates a toxic team culture(29:05) Stop assuming the worst with crystal ball thinking(32:35) A great manager Cynthia has worked for(33:49) Keep up with Cynthia(35:00) [Extended Episode Only] Comparison bias is stealing your joy(41:28) [Extended Episode Only] Catastrophic thinking turns small problems into crises Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Watch this quick lesson on Imposter Syndrome - Check out the Self-Compassion Skills Workbook   Keep up with Cynthia Pong - Follow Cynthia on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here - Explore her work on Forbes here FREE PDF: Overcome Negative Beliefs Cynthia is giving members of Podcast+ a Free 10+ page PDF that includes activities to address the Martyr Complex, Locus of Control, and Comparison Bias to help you overcome negative beliefs.   To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you realize how important virtual communications are to your team’s effectiveness? Except for in-person meetings, all our communications with our colleagues happen virtually. This is true whether you’re fully remote, hybrid, or even in-office. But what if you could communicate clearly and authentically every time, no matter the virtual method? That’s exactly what today’s guest is here for. Meet Andrew Brodsky. Andrew is the CEO of Ping Group and an award-winning professor at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. He is the author Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication and was named one of Poets&Quants' “World’s 40 Best Business School Professors Under 40”.  Andrew specializes in workplace technology, communication, and productivity, and today, he is going to share his science-backed strategies for communicating effectively through virtual modalities.  We dive into why even in-office teams are communicating virtually more than ever, how different modes (like audio vs. video) affect perceived authenticity, and practical tips for setting communication norms in the workplace. In the extended episode available to Podcast+, we explore the dangers of relying too heavily on AI to help you manage your communication and how to avoid misinterpretations in virtual communication. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:20) Defining virtual communication beyond remote work(04:54) Different modes of virtual communication and what they’re intended for(06:39) The importance of authenticity in virtual communication(11:03) When to choose synchronous vs. asynchronous communication(15:57) The PING Framework for effective virtual communication(20:51) Adapting language mimicry for better text-based communication(23:21) Tips for setting communication norms (29:28) A great manager Andrew has worked for(30:24) Keep up with Andrew(31:53) [Extended Episode Only] The hidden problem with using AI for virtual communication(36:50) [Extended Episode Only] Misinterpretations in virtual communication and how to avoid them(40:06) [Extended Episode Only] Overcoming communication default bias Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Watch this episode on Brainstorming Hacks Keep up with Andrew Brodsky - Follow Andrew on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of his book here FREE PDF: Virtual Communication Styles Tool Andrew is providing members of Podcast+ his Virtual Communication Styles Tool. This tool will not only help you identify your virtual communication style but it will also help you adapt your communication approach to facilitate clearer exchanges, forge stronger connections in virtual settings, and achieve your communication goals. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

You’ve probably heard that hiring the best talent is the key to building a high-performing team. But what if that’s only half the truth? Thankfully, today’s guest will reveal what it really takes to build the best team ever. Today’s guest is David Burkus. One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David’s forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are changing how companies approach leadership, teamwork, and collaboration.  A skilled researcher and inspiring communicator, David is the bestselling author of five books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. Since 2017, David has been ranked multiple times as one of the world’s top business thought leaders.  In this episode, David shares why the best teams aren’t necessarily the most talented—they’re the ones with the strongest culture. He breaks down three key elements that make teams thrive, including the incredible story of Alan Mulally’s turnaround at Ford Motor Company. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we dive into practical ways to get your team actively involved in cultivating a strong culture. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:15) What makes a team the best team ever?(03:40) Why the “team” makes the talent, not the other way around(06:32) The three core elements of high-performing teams(10:15) How Alan Mulally saved Ford through cultural change(20:10) Culture is not built; it’s cultivated(21:13) Steps to start moving your team culture in the right direction(26:59) How gratitude and impact statements improve motivation(28:09) A great manager David has worked for(30:22) Keep up with David(33:53) [Extended Episode Only] How team members can actively participate in cultivating a strong culture(38:43) [Extended Episode Only] The importance of specificity in team communication Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with David Burkus - Follow David on LinkedIn here - Subscribe to David’s YouTube channel here - Grab a copy of his book Best Team Ever! Here Free PDF Guides for Manual of Me and Team Charter  David is providing members of Podcast+ with two guides - The Manual of Me and Team Charter which he speaks about in the extended episode.  Originally conceived by Ben Dattner, Manual of Me is a really useful tool for showing people how they can best work with you. The Team Charter is a living document that will be used to develop shared understanding and expectations about working together as a team moving forward. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Does your team struggle to collaborate effectively due to clashing personalities? Say no more. Today’s guest is here to dive deep into how you can enhance your team dynamics using DiSC. Meet Jen Fox. Jen has spent the last 25 years working inside and outside of global organizations, listening to employees, facilitating learning, and leading cultural change. Hailed as one of the "most no-nonsense learning & development professionals on the planet", she brings pragmatic solutions to the most complex workplace challenges. She is a trusted executive coach, dynamic facilitator, and advocate for flexible work. And she was recently recognized as a Top 10 DiSC Provider by ManageHR Magazine. In this episode, Jen shares how the DiSC profile assessment can unlock your team’s potential through self-awareness and an understanding of different working styles. Learn how DiSc categorizes behaviors into four main styles—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and how managers can leverage this knowledge to delegate tasks, motivate employees, and resolve conflicts. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(00:31) What is DiSC, and how is it different from other profile tests?(02:55) An overview of the four DiSC styles (06:07) How DiSC affects interpersonal collaboration at work(10:39) Does your DiSC profile change over time?(14:05) An in-depth analysis of the four DiSC styles(31:13) A great manager Jen has worked for(32:58) Keep up with Jen(33:31) [Extended Episode Only] How to use DiSC to help you and your team perform better(37:41) [Extended Episode Only] Using the DiSC framework to improve feedback Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Jen Fox - Follow Jen on LinkedIn here - Visit Jen’s website here 20% OFF INDIVIDUAL DiSC ASSESSMENT Jen is offering a 20% discount on any individual DiSC assessment. In addition, if you'd like to bring DiSC to your team meeting or offsite, you'll receive 20% off all assessments for your workshop as long as you book by April 30, 2025.  To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

You’ve heard it before: “People don’t quit jobs; they quit bad bosses.” But is that really the whole story? Why do employees really leave their jobs? That’s exactly what we’ll answer today with our guest. Meet Michael Horn.  Michael is the co-author of Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress In Your Career. Michael strives to create a world in which all individuals can build their passions, fulfill their potential, and live a life of purpose. He is the author of several books, including the award-winning Disrupting Class, Choosing College, Blended, and From Reopen to Reinvent.  He is the co-founder and a distinguished fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, a non-profit think tank, and teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He also co-hosts the top higher education podcast, Future U., writes the popular Substack newsletter The Future of Education, and is a regular contributor to Forbes.com. In this episode, Michael shares his research into job transitions, highlighting the four distinct clusters and how managers can better support their teams. We explore how understanding each team member’s personal goals, life circumstances, and work preferences can create a stronger, more aligned team. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Michael dives into strategies for how managers can take control of the situation, work with HR for extra support, and leverage practical tools like personal cheat sheets to improve communication between managers and employees. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:49) Defining the “Jobs to Be Done” methodology(04:27) Examples of common “push” and “pull” factors in job decisions(07:22) The four macro clusters in job transitions(11:35) Signs to watch for when an employee is considering leaving(18:08) Team dynamics and their impact on employee dissatisfaction(19:09) Why convincing someone to stay could hurt your team(23:03) Should managers share their own “pushes” and “pulls” with their teams?(24:34) Using assessments to gauge job satisfaction (and dissatisfaction) in real-time(27:16) A great manager Michael has worked with(28:05) Keep up with Michael(29:04) [Extended Episode Only] How managers can take control when an employee is thinking of leaving(34:02) [Extended Episode Only] Working with HR for extra support and the magic of personalized cheat sheets Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Michael Horn - Follow Michael on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of Michael’s new book, Job Moves, here Book Giveaway: 5 Free Signed Copies of Job Moves Michael is giving away five copies of his book Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress In Your Career to members of Podcast+. Full of useful activities and tools, Job Moves offers the timeless framework of our generation to help anyone create a career that will be happier and more fulfilling. You must enter the drawing by February 28th. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you ever held back in a meeting, fearing how your words might be received?  Fear often takes the driver’s seat in our communication, keeping us from building better relationships and unlocking new opportunities.  But what if you could overcome those fears? This week’s guest is here to help you do just that. Meet Michelle Gladieux. Michelle is the author of Communicate with Courage, a transformative and award-winning bravery manual for your personal and professional life. She leads a consulting company offering development programs across sectors (for profit, non-profit, government, academia, and industry) and has been called a human potential whisperer who loves what she does - and it shows! Today, Michelle reveals the four hidden challenges blocking our communication potential and shares actionable advice to help you become a courageous communicator. In the extended episode available to members of Podcast+, Michelle dives deeper, discussing how managers can empower their teams to communicate courageously and how feedback can be a powerful tool for growth. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:03) What communicating with courage means(03:36) Four hidden challenges in communication(11:01) How small shifts in communication create a lasting impact(16:16) The power of stating your intention upfront(23:08) How owning your weaknesses improves communication(26:05) The Fighter Wing Feedback Challenge(33:12) Keep up with Michelle(34:33) [Extended Episode Only] How to help your team become courageous communicators(40:32) [Extended Episode Only] Why it’s hard to give praise and say “Thank you” Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Michelle Gladieux - Follow Michelle on Instagram here - Sign up for Michelle’s quarterly newsletters here - Grab a copy of her book Communicate with Courage here FREE PDF Download of 10 Tips to Turn Up Your Courage as a Communicator Michelle is providing members of Podcast+ a Free PDF download of 10 Tips to Turn Up Your Courage as a Communicator. This tip sheet is exclusively available to Modern Manager Podcast+ members! To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Why do people often struggle to follow through on their responsibilities, even after they agree to do so in a meeting?  Today’s guest is here to unpack this exact issue and offers practical solutions to help you and your team get things done. Meet Steven Blue. Steven is the CEO of Miller Ingenuity, which creates high technology products that save lives and preserve the environment. He is a keynote speaker and has addressed audiences at Harvard Business School, The United Nations, Carnegie Hall, The Safe America Foundation, and many more.  Steven is also the CEO in residence at Winona State University and author of 5 best-selling books including Mastering the Art of Success, The $10 Million Dollar Employee and Metamorphosis. He works with executives, leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to learn how to maximize their company’s growth through fostering company culture and innovation. In this episode, Steven and I dive into why employees sometimes fail to follow through and what managers can do to address these challenges—from mentoring to clear delegation to creating a workplace culture that empowers employees. In the extended episode available to members of Podast+, you’ll also hear powerful examples of what happens when values are aligned and how intentional culture-building transforms organizations. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:24) Why people struggle to follow through on tasks(04:28) Giving employees the permission “not to know” (07:13) Two most powerful phrases every leader should use(08:57) Strategies to ensure team members fulfill their responsibilities(16:30) The 3 Cs of effective communication(22:46) Building a values-driven organizational culture(26:55) A great manager Steven has worked for(28:09) Keep up with Steven Blue(28:44) [Extended Episode Only] Understanding your organization’s culture(31:23) [Extended Episode Only] Transitioning to the cultural values you want Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Steven Blue - Follow Steven on LinkedIn here - Visit Steven’s official website for more information here Free Book or Coaching Session for 5 Members of Podcast+ Steve is offering five members of Podcast+ either a Free copy of Unlocking Success: Inspiring Tales of Resilience, Innovation, and Growth or a private 1-hour coaching session with him. In Unlocking Success, Jack Canfield, the co-creator of the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, joins forces with an exceptional group of professionals from around the globe to bring you a collection of stories that illuminate the power of resilience, creativity, and determination. Each chapter offers a unique glimpse into the journey of individuals who faced adversity, embraced innovation, and transformed obstacles into opportunities. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

How often do you send an email only to spend hours clarifying it later? Or find yourself rewriting a team member’s work to get it “right”? Mastering written communication–whether in emails, reports, proposals, or Slack messages–is more important than ever given how we collaborate today. Thankfully, today’s guest is here to share the ins and outs of effective writing. Meet Davina Stanley. Davina is the founder of the Clarity First Program, which helps C-suite executives and their teams better engage senior leaders and boards in complex ideas. In this episode, Davina and I dive into how strategic thinking and structured frameworks can transform written communication, enabling managers and teams to convey their ideas with clarity and impact. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we explore how managers can empower their teams to write impactful communications and how AI can be a powerful tool to improve your writing skills. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:37) The mistakes we make when writing(05:55) Crucial first step before drafting any written communication(10:31) What a well-structured written communication looks like(17:01) Writing for teams vs. one-on-one messages(18:55) Applying structured frameworks to elevate all forms of writing(26:50) Simple tips for boosting your team’s writing skills(29:18) A great manager Davina has worked for(30:39) Keep up with Davina Stanley(31:13) [Extended Episode Only] How to empower your team to improve their own writing(35:35) [Extended Episode Only] AI hacks for clearer, more effective writing Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Davina Stanley - Follow Davina on LinkedIn here - Check out her written works and other services here 20% Off All Resources Davina is giving members of Podcast+ 20% off all her resources which includes her online courses and other tools to help managers and their teams clarify and convey complex ideas. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

When it comes to leadership, emotional intelligence often gets overlooked. For years, the American work culture has emphasized suppressing emotions in the workplace. But times are changing. Today, emotional intelligence is as crucial as any leadership skill–if not the most essential. Our guest is here to show us why it matters and how to manage our emotions effectively. Meet Roberta Fernandez. Roberta is a professional development consultant specializing in emotional intelligence and organizational cultural change. She holds a Master Practitioner certification in NLP and is a Board-certified Hypnotherapist, making her uniquely skilled in understanding human behavior. Roberta’s past clients form a diverse portfolio, including Kemps, Sam’s Club, Target, Optum, Pentair, governments, academic institutions, and private small businesses. In this episode, Roberta and I explore the transformative power of emotional intelligence in the workplace. Roberta shares how emotions influence behavior and introduces practical tools for managing team dynamics effectively. With practical tips on staying calm in heated situations, navigating tough conversations, and recognizing workplace emotions, this episode is packed with insights to improve your leadership and collaboration skills. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:56) What is emotional intelligence?(04:06) Understanding and addressing your emotions(07:28) Why emotional awareness is critical for managers(11:32) The FARE framework (Focus, Associate, Repeat, and Expect) explained(16:45) Tips for navigating the emotions that come with change(19:21) How to manage emotions during heated conversations(25:19) Why do people act based on their beliefs(30:19) A great manager Roberta has worked for(31:16) Keep up with Roberta(31:22) [Extended Episode Only] How to proactively prevent a conversation from getting emotional(34:28) [Extended Episode Only] Using the Frame Tool for taking emotions out of team problem-solving Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Roberta Fernandez - Follow Roberta on LinkedIn and Instagram - Visit her website for more information here FREE Emotional Intelligence Assessment and the Frame Tool Roberta is providing members of Podcast+ with access to her emotional intelligence assessment as well as “the frame” tool, which she explains in the extended episode. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Imagine a workplace where every decision begins with a single, powerful question, “How will this affect our people?”. This is the cornerstone of a people-first culture–a philosophy that integrates employee well-being into every facet of a company’s operations. But what does this look like in action? Thankfully, this week’s guest is here to share what he’s learned along the way of building people-first organizations. Today’s guest is Michel Falcon. With 15 years of experience building his own companies, consulting for some of the largest, and writing a bestselling book, Michel has the real-world experience to share what exactly makes high-performing teams, how to design and deliver never-seen-before customer experiences and build thriving companies in any market.  As a speaker, Michel has been on stages around the world from Toronto and New York to Riyadh and Melbourne leaving audiences with ideas they can apply within their organizations and teams instantly. Michel reveals how a focus on employees, customers, and stakeholders can drive lasting success. With strategies like 3P framework–Purpose, Process, and Profit–Michel explains why treating everyone as your “best customer” changes everything. In the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Michel shares his unusual hiring process, including group interviews, detailed career descriptions, and special onboarding gift–all designed to set employees up for success. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:04) What is a people-first culture?(05:43) The 3P Strategy explained(09:10) Helping employees align their purpose with the company(11:57) The one thing organizations miss during the onboarding process(13:30) The $20 interview question that changes everything(17:48) Fostering a culture of learning, growing, and developing your people(19:08) Transitioning from a traditional workplace to a people-first culture(21:24) Managing performance in a people-first culture(23:16) How mid-level managers can initiate the shift(26:20) A great manager Michel has worked for(28:13) Keep up with Michel(29:03) [Extended Episode Only] Michel’s unusual hiring process(33:44) [Extended Episode Only] How to assess people during the interview process(36:27) [Extended Episode Only] Interviews are not interrogations Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Michel Falcon - Follow Michel on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn - Visit Teams by Michel Falcon for more information here - Grab a copy of Michel’s book People-First Culture here FREE Consultation with Michel Falcon Michel is offering a free consultation to one member of Podcast+. You can use this time to get advice or pick Michel’s brain on how to help you, your team, or your organization, foster a people-first culture.  To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Great workshops deliver clarity, improved collaboration, and actionable outcomes. Now, imagine if you and your team could approach every workday with the same high energy and focus as you feel during a great workshop. That’s exactly what today’s guest is here to help us achieve–building a workshop culture in the workplace. Meet Alison Coward. Alison is the founder of Bracket, a consultancy that partners with ambitious, forward-thinking companies to help them build high-performing team cultures. She is a team culture coach, workshop facilitator, trainer, keynote speaker, and author of “Workshop Culture: A Guide to Building Teams That Thrive” and “A Pocket Guide to Effective Workshops”. Her clients include Google, Meta, Wellcome, and the V&A.  With 20 years of experience working in, leading, and facilitating creative teams, Alison is passionate about finding the balance between creativity, productivity, and collaboration so that teams can thrive and do their best work together. In this episode, Alison and I discuss what a workshop culture is, how it differs from traditional workplace models, and how managers can become effective facilitators. She also shares insights into what it looks like for a team to adopt a workshop culture, the behavioral changes that come with this shift, tips for translating workshop principles–like creativity, collaboration, and inclusion—into everyday team practices, and more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:06) What is a workshop culture?(03:39) Workshop culture vs. traditional work culture(06:12) How managers can become effective facilitators(09:30) Real-world example of a team transitioning to a workshop culture(12:55) Translating big picture ideas into action(14:37) Why every team member is a co-creator of a team culture(17:41) The behavioral changes that come with this cultural shift(21:41) First step in adopting a workshop culture(24:20) How to hold yourself and others accountable for the changes(26:30) A great manager Alison has worked for(27:44) Keep up with Alison(28:14) [Extended Episode Only] The five pillars of a workshop culture(33:26) [Extended Episode Only] What it looks like for teams embracing a workshop culture Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Alison Coward - Grab a copy of Alison’s book: “Workshop Culture: A Guide to Building Teams that Thrive” here - Follow Alison on LinkedIn here - Visit Bracket for more information here Book Discount: 30% off “Workshop Culture: A Guide to Building Teams That Thrive” Alison is providing members of Podcast+ 30% off her book “Workshop Culture: A Guide to Building Teams That Thrive”. This book will show you how to create a happy and engaged team through small actions which lead to big results. It features a practical and accessible toolkit to help improve your team’s performance and productivity. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

For many years, organizations have leaned on traditional performance management to improve team performance and drive results.  However, in today’s fast-changing business world, regular performance feedback–though still important–isn’t enough. That’s where Silver Lining’s Silver Belt Action Plan (SBAP) comes in.  Meet Carissa Reiniger. Carissa is the Founder & CEO of Silver Lining, a company with a mission to change the global economy, one small business at a time.  Silver Lining is an advocate for economic justice and believes that small businesses are a fundamental element in creating a more just global economy. They work with Small Business Owners from all backgrounds and have the data to prove that when you give anyone, regardless of their demographic details, equal access and opportunity, they can succeed. In this episode, Carissa offers actionable strategies to empower your team, optimize performance, and make professional growth a shared priority. We talk in detail about SBAP, how they allocate human and financial resources for this process, how it influences promotions and raises at Silver Lining, and more. Listen in to discover how you can start implementing this system today. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:26) What is Silver Lining’s SBAP process?(06:15) The timeline within the SBAP process(11:24) How the SBAP influences promotions at Silver Lining(15:47) Preparing for the “tough conversation” the Silver Lining way(20:01) Investing financial resources into SBAPs(24:32) Why setting expectations upfront matters(26:24) Should CEOs skip 360 performance feedback?(27:01) The reality of workplace promotions and raises(28:58) Keep up with Carissa(29:55) [Extended Episode Only] How to incorporate performance and growth into your team(35:11) [Extended Episode Only] Why you need a third party during performance feedback sessions(37:00) [Extended Episode Only] A powerful lesson Carissa learned from SBAP Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Carissa Reiniger - Follow Carissa on LinkedIn here - Check out SLAP’s Small Business Growth Program here - Visit Silver Lining for more information here FREE Silver Lining SBAP templates Carissa is providing members of Podcast+ with the actual questions and template that Silver Lining uses for their process. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Did you know that many workplaces unintentionally exclude trans and non-binary individuals? Part of the reason for this is the widespread assumption that humanity only fits neatly into two categories: men and women. However, this perspective has never been universally true–and it’s time we challenge it at work. Fortunately, our guest is here to help us understand these gender terminologies and how to build a truly gender-inclusive workplace. Today’s guest is Davey Shlasko. Davey is the founder and director of Think Again Training & Consulting. For over two decades, Davey has cultivated a practice of facilitating adult learning to drive organizational and systemic change for equity and justice, with a unique niche in transgender inclusion. In this episode, Davey defines the different gender terminologies we should be aware of and shares practical strategies for creating workplaces where everyone feels respected. From understanding gender pronouns to designing trans-inclusive policies, this conversation has actionable insights for fostering gender inclusivity at work. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:02) Understanding gender terminologies(05:07) Fashion and gender are not the same (and shouldn’t be)(09:07) How to foster gender inclusivity without making assumptions(11:09) They/them isn’t new at all(15:18) Navigating gender pronouns respectfully(17:02) Handling gender pronoun mistakes with care(18:44) Key tips for practicing pronouns(21:09) Understanding and respecting neo-pronouns(26:02) Keep up with Davey(26:45) [Extended Episode Only] How to incorporate gender-inclusive practices into your team or organization(32:23) [Extended Episode Only] Prioritizing respect over comfort in the workplace for everyone Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Davey Shlasko - Follow Davey on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram - Grab a copy of Davey’s Trans Allyship Workbook here - Visit Think Again Training for more information here Free PDF Checklist on Inclusivity Best Practices Davey is providing members of Podcast+ with a PDF checklist that will help you identify practices that are beginning to work toward inclusion, better practices for inclusion, and finally, “best practices.” To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Onboarding sets the tone for an employee’s success. It’s more than just paperwork and introductions–it’s about creating the foundation for engagement, productivity, and belonging. But how can you set your new hires up for success even before their first day of work? Today’s guest will walk us through how to onboard a new employee from start to finish. Meet Dr. Tiffany E. Slater. Tiffany is the Founder & CEO of HR TailorMade - THE human resource solution for small businesses and nonprofits. HR TailorMade partners with nonprofits and small businesses to provide seamless Fractional HR support for their teams. Dr. Tiffany has been an HR professional for over 25 years with experience in all aspects of human resources. She also has experience in a variety of sectors, including union and non-union, PK-12 public education, property management, manufacturing, and casino industries, to name a few.  In this episode, Tiffany and I discuss the essential onboarding steps–from pre-start logistics like swag boxes and tech setup to embedding a culture of feedback and performance management. Learn how to keep your new employee engaged, productive, and excited from day one and gain practical tips you can implement immediately. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:07) What really is onboarding a new hire?(03:43) Key segments of an effective onboarding process (06:44) Creative ways to welcome new hires on their first day(10:36) Using an onboarding checklist to set new hires up for success(21:30) Introducing your team culture to new team members(25:43) A great manager Tiffany has worked for(28:51) Keep up with Tiffany (29:05) [Extended Episode Only] How to incorporate feedback and performance management into onboarding (33:35) [Extended Episode Only] Making feedback a part of your team culture Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Dr. Tiffany E. Slater - Follow Dr. Tiffany on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook - Visit HR TailorMade’s website for more information here Free Download: Anatomy of a Difficult Conversation Tiffany is giving members of Podcast+ access to her PDF - Anatomy of a Difficult Conversation. This checklist helps prepare all of the information so that the conversation flows smoothly and you are able to answer questions and provide facts when needed. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Your skills alone don’t determine your work performance–it’s also about being in the right physical, mental, and emotional state.  That’s where wellness practices come in. In today’s episode, our guest will share powerful practices for incorporating wellness into the workday. Meet Kristel Bauer. Kristel is a corporate wellness and performance expert, keynote speaker and TEDx speaker supporting organizations and individuals on their journeys for more happiness and success. She is the author of Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work and host of her global top self-improvement podcast, Live Greatly. Kristel and I dive into why the traditional work-life balance model no longer works and explore practical tips for blending work with personal fulfillment. From intentional morning routines to micro-breaks and building trust within your team, Kristel highlights how small, powerful changes can transform how you show up at work daily. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:14) Why the work-life balance model is no longer working(05:24) The three different components of work-life integration (08:23) How you start your day matters more than you think(13:53) Micro breaks and rituals make a big impact(20:30) Are unscheduled mid-day breaks acceptable for remote workers?(23:49) The most important wellness habit for you and your team (25:53) A great manager Kristel has worked for(28:37) Keep up with Kristel(29:11) [Extended Episode Only] How to incorporate wellness practices into your team’s culture(36:27) [Extended Episode Only] Final tip for practicing work-life harmony Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Kristel Bauer - Follow Kristel on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter - Listen to Live Greatly podcast here - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here FREE Stress Management Checklist Kristel is providing her Stress Management Checklist for FREE to members of Podcast+.  This PDF includes tips and examples of six approaches Kristel recommends to help you incorporate stress management practices into your life. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you struggle with giving your team members more ownership and authority? If you’ve ever wrestled with how to empower your team with confidence, today’s guest will tell you exactly what to do. Meet Brian Irwin. Brian is an author, speaker, coach, and mentor. He has a history of successfully leading management teams through complex transformations. Brian considers himself a "strategic simplifier" and has a passion for bringing humanity back into the workplace. He is also a recovering '80s hair band guitarist. In this week’s episode, Brian reveals his framework for unlocking hidden potential in every team member. His approach revolves around simple, effective tools that empower employees by defining decision-making authority, mapping team competencies, and identifying the hidden costs that hinder productivity. Join the conversation now and learn how to maximize your team’s impact through smarter yet simpler delegation tactics! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:02) People should be led, and work should be managed(03:30) What’s stopping managers from empowering their teams(06:54) Empower your team using the Delegation Tool(11:57) The Internal-External Strategic Action Plan explained(17:03) Why alignment isn’t achievable with automation(19:56) Mastering delegation using a skill competency grid(25:27) A great manager Brian has worked for(27:29) Keep up with Brian(28:22) [Extended Episode Only] Hidden costs that are holding your team back(33:26) [Extended Episode Only] Benefits of engaging employees in organizational change Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Brian Irwin - Follow Brian on LinkedIn here - Download his book here - Visit his official website for more information here FREE Hidden Cost Assessment Engagement Brian is offering one member of Podcast+ a hidden costs assessment, usually priced at $10,000. Brian will interview your team members and produce a custom report that includes quotes and a breakout of hidden costs by category. Prior engagements have identified an average of $50,000 per person in hidden costs identified!  To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you read your company handbook? As a manager, a simple decision at work could land you in hot water, so reading your company handbook is essential, especially for new managers.  You must know not only how to lead effectively but also how to lead legally. That’s where our workplace legal expert comes in. Meet Peter Rahbar. Peter is a workplace legal expert who guides clients through the most important decisions of their professional lives. After almost twenty years of representing major international corporate clients in high-profile matters, including over a decade as the chief employment attorney for a major global media company, Peter founded The Rahbar Group, a boutique employment law practice based in New York City.  Peter specializes in representing individuals, including C-Suite executives, media personalities, and other professionals working in finance, media, sports, real estate, fashion, and tech. In this episode, Peter shares essential legal tips for managers: understanding company policies, maintaining professional boundaries, and handling complaints properly. He discusses why managers should avoid treating their teams like a family, how to respond to health disclosures and accommodations, and more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(05:05) What does every new manager need to know(04:32) Common pitfalls that managers usually fall into(08:01) How to support company policies, even when you disagree(10:20) Why managers should avoid calling their team a family(12:59) What managers can (and can’t) do when a team member requests a medical accommodation(21:29) Should managers tell their team when accommodations are made?(23:03) A great manager Peter has worked for(26:43) Keep up with Peter(27:04) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when someone brings a complaint against you (32:10) [Extended Episode Only] Adjusting communication styles for different team members Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Peter Rahbar - Connect with Peter on LinkedIn and Instagram - Visit the Rahbar Group’s official website here FREE 30-minute Consultation with Peter Peter is offering a free 30-minute consultation for one member of Podcast+. To enter the drawing, you must be a member and submit your name by Wednesday, November 27th.  To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by tasks that never seem to end? What if I told you that you don’t need another productivity app to reclaim your time? Today’s guest is here to help us recover our time by working smarter. Meet Leslie Shreve. Leslie is a workload management and productivity expert, and the Founder and CEO of Productive Day®. She created Taskology®, a system that has helped hundreds of professionals from various industries increase efficiency and productivity by up to 300%, reclaim hours in their workday, and reduce time spent in their email inbox. Leslie's work has been featured in outlets like Fast Company, The Huffington Post, and Business Management Daily. In this episode, Leslie shares her game-changing strategies for creating a comprehensive workload management system that ties together task, time, email, and information management. You’ll learn why task management, not project management, is the key to personal productivity and how to break down your tasks into small, manageable actions. We also talk about strategies for protecting your time, mastering your inbox, and getting more done in a day with less stress. Tune in now and discover how to build a workload system that works for you. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:54) The missing piece in your workday strategy (Hint: it’s not a productivity app)(03:43) Four key components of effective workload management (08:21) How to break down your to-do list into actionable, achievable tasks(12:09) The Start, Continue, Finish methodology explained(13:54) Why time blocking alone won’t help you reclaim your time (20:09) Mastering email with the Inbox Zero method (24:57) How to handle emails when you’re unsure how to respond(29:00) A great manager Leslie has worked for(30:34) Keep up with Leslie(33:42) [Extended Episode Only] The magic formula for writing an easy and actionable task list(43:52) [Extended Episode Only] #1 mistake everyone makes when organizing tasks Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Leslie Shreve - Follow Leslie on LinkedIn and Facebook - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here - Take the productivity quiz now here - Sign up for a FREE 52-week productivity audio series here - Get the special report on Seven Surprising Secrets to Saving Time here - Visit her website for more information here FREE Video on Taskology® Task Management + 20% Off the Full Course Leslie is giving members of Podcast+ a FREE Video on Taskology® Task Management + 20% Off the Full Course. When you dive into the first video in the series for Taskology® Task Management, you'll discover the 3 essentials for getting more accomplished in less time with less stress. You'll also discover the Top 6 Benefits of using a central, digital task list and why this type of list will support you in working more proactively and less reactively, in addition to giving you more clarity, confidence, and control in your workday. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

How well do you know your team? It’s not just about knowing each member’s personality; teams have a unique style, too, that shapes how the members collaborate and perform together. That’s where today’s guest comes in.  Meet Christopher Morrison. Christopher is the co-founder of TeamDynamics, a pioneering platform designed to optimize team collaboration by providing actionable insights into team dynamics. With a rich background in top consulting firms like McKinsey and extensive experience in technology startups, Christopher developed TeamDynamics to address the limitations of traditional personality tests.  His innovative framework, grounded in research and practical experiments, focuses on four key dimensions of team interaction to enhance organizational performance and foster successful, collaborative teams. Today, Christopher explains how TeamDynamics helps leaders enhance collaboration, make better decisions, and improve execution. Plus, in the extended episode available only to Podcast+ members, he offers practical advice on what to do when your team’s preferences don’t align with your leadership style. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:22) What is TeamDynamics and how it works(09:44) The four dimensions of TeamDynamics(16:11) Can teams exist along a spectrum within each dimension?(17:10) Are there better or worse team dynamics?(18:18) How TeamDynamics transforms collaboration across various industries(22:28) Managers aren’t as influential as you might think(25:20) Adapt or shift: knowing when to change your team dynamics for success(30:24) A great manager Christopher has worked for(31:51) Keep up with Christopher(32:30) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when your team’s preferences don’t match with your style(36:56) [Extended Episode Only] How structured processes interplay with four different team dynamics (40:27) [Extended Episode Only] Bridging the gap between what you want and how your team works Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Christopher Morrison - Reach out to Christopher at [email protected] - Visit TeamDynamics for more information here 10% Off TeamDynamics Pro Christopher is providing members of Podcast+ 10% Off TeamDynamics Pro. Invite your team to complete the assessment and receive a guide for understanding how modern teams work together, personalized for your team. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Are Gen Zs really difficult to work with? As more Gen Z employees enter and advance in the workforce, it’s crucial for business leaders to understand this generation’s unique experiences–shaped by remote work, self-directed learning, and the disruptions caused by the pandemic. So, how should managers lead this new cohort? To help us navigate managing Gen Z and unlock their true potential, I spoke with today’s guest, Madeline Miller. Madeline is making executive coaching more accessible and inclusive for Gen Z and Millennials through her Dream Career Accelerator coaching program. As a coach, Madeline is known for helping her clients build the strongest career foundation possible by aligning their work and values, increasing visibility and influence through effective communication, and dismantling limiting self-beliefs that lead to perfectionism, people-pleasing, or despondency. In this episode, Madeline shares practical insights on how managers can step up to support their young team members in developing the skills they need to succeed. From redefining professionalism to fostering ownership and modeling effective communication, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won’t want to miss. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:15) The challenges faced by today’s new workforce entrants (04:38) How Gen Z is adapting to remote work and self-sufficiency(07:00) The importance of setting expectations in today’s remote work environment(10:19) What does it mean to be professional?(15:12) How managers can foster proactiveness and ownership in their teams(18:49) Could your team’s lack of proactivity reflect your leadership style?(23:52) Telling your team they’re empowered isn’t enough(26:46) The 1st step to empowering Gen Z(28:12) A great manager Madeline has worked for(29:44) Keep up with Madeline(30:25) [Extended Episode Only] How to role model and support your team members in becoming effective communicators.(34:04) [Extended Episode Only] Applying the four communication styles in real-life scenarios Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Madeline Miller - Follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok - Visit her website for more information here FREE Communications Style Tutorial and Worksheet Madeline is providing a Free Communications Style Tutorial and Worksheet. The short video introduces the different communication styles and provides a short exercise you can do to reduce communicating poorly when under pressure. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you ever had to fire someone and lost sleep over it?  Firing someone isn’t as easy as saying, “You’re fired!”. If you’ve been through it, you know just how tough it can be–emotions run high, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re the bad guy. That’s why I sat down with an HR expert to get her best advice on how to fire someone thoughtfully. Today’s guest is Jackie Koch. Jackie has more than 15 years of experience hiring teams and leading human resources for Fortune 500 companies, startups, and small businesses. She launched People Principles in 2020 where she helps founders scale and lead their teams with HR and recruiting services. She's also the host of the World's Greatest Boss podcast. In this episode, Jackie and I talk about the dos and don’ts of firing someone from your team. We dive into how to determine if firing is the right decision, and the steps managers should take to prepare for these difficult conversations. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Jackie discusses the legal aspects of firing, what to do (and what not to do) to protect yourself and your organization, and how to manage the aftermath with your team. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(02:38) When do you know it’s time to fire someone?(05:22) What managers need to do before firing a team member(09:34) Why document all your performance discussions(14:04) The dos and don’ts of firing(21:47) How to nail the toughest firing conversation(27:39) A great manager Jackie has worked for(28:45) Keep up with Jackie(29:15) [Extended Episode Only] The legal aspects of firing: What you need to know(32:36) [Extended Episode Only] The one thing to never do when firing someone(34:37) [Extended Episode Only] How to manage the aftermath with your team Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Jackie Koch - Follow Jackie on LinkedIn and Instagram - Check out her website for more information here - Subscribe to her podcast, World’s Greatest Boss here 5 Complimentary HR Audits  Jackie is generously offering five free HR audits to members of Podcast+. Normally priced at $249, the HR Audit includes a self-assessment and a 60-minute call with Jackie or her business partner to review everything and talk through suggested changes to implement. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Is disruption always bad, or can it be your greatest asset? In today’s world of relentless change–where the global talent pool is expanding and advancements in AI and machine learning are accelerating–disruption has become the new normal. But amidst this chaos, should we seek to disrupt ourselves even more instead of just being disrupted? Today’s guest says yes.  Meet Terence Mauri. Terence is a global expert on the future of leadership, AI, and disruption. As founder of the future trends think tank Hack Future Lab, he helps leaders find the upside of disruption and rethink leadership for a post-AI world. He has been described as “an influential and outspoken expert on the future of leadership” by Thinkers50, the global authority on today’s top business thinkers. Today, Terence and I discuss why disruption shouldn’t be feared and how we can reframe it as an opportunity rather than a threat. We’ll also dive into practical strategies for reducing complexity within organizations, how to democratize change, unlocking your inner disruption muscle, and more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:50) Why disruption has a negative connotation(05:14) The downside of today’s management style(06:53) How to unlock your inner disruption muscle(09:12) Are you a complexifier or a simplifier?(13:53) The reductionist mindset explained(15:24) How to work with team members who are resistant to change(19:37) What does it mean to be over-managed yet under-led?(21:48) 3 steps to Managing Your Manager (MYM)(25:47) A great manager Terence has worked for(27:57) Keep up with Terence(28:51) [Extended Episode Only] The power of learning to unlearn(34:05) [Extended Episode Only] How to help your team members learn to unlearn Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Terence Mauri - Connect with Terence on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram - Subscribe to his YouTube channel here - Grab a copy of his book here - Visit his official website for more information here Book Discount: The Upside Of Disruption: The Path To Leading And Thriving in the Unknown Terence is providing members of Podcast+ with a discount on his book The Upside Of Disruption: The Path To Leading And Thriving in the Unknown. In the book, you'll find the future-ready insights and tools you need to lead for today and prepare your organization for tomorrow. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Hiring talent from another country can seem like a daunting task. Navigating different time zones, cultures and other factors can feel overwhelming at first. But here’s the truth: those initial challenges are small compared to the massive benefits of expanding your hiring options.  To help you navigate this journey, today’s guest is here to share expert tips on how to effectively tap into the global talent pool and build a thriving team. Meet Jonathan Romley–one of the world’s foremost experts on global talent management and the future of work. Recognized as a leading authority in navigating the complexities of international talent acquisition, Jonathan is the founder of Lundi, a global talent firm specializing in innovative strategies for attracting, retaining, and developing top talent across borders. In this episode, Jonathan and I discuss why companies of all sizes should consider hiring internationally. He also shares key components for hiring remote talent and emphasizes that global hiring should be a strategic decision, not just a cost-cutting measure. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Jonathan reveals how to set yourself up for a successful hire. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:20) Why you should tap into the global talent pool(04:32) 3 key components for effectively hiring remote talent (09:46) Challenges of hiring abroad: where and how to start(15:55) Remote work strategies for international hires(20:23) Keep up with Jonathan(21:30) [Extended Episode Only] How to set yourself up for a successful hire Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Jonathan Romley - Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn here - Tap into the global talent pool here - Grab a copy of Jonathan’s book: Winning the Global Talent War here - Get insights on winning the global talent war here Book Giveaway: 5 copies of Winning the Global Talent War Jonathan is giving away 5 copies of his book Winning the Global Talent War. This book is your ultimate guide to mastering global talent acquisition and employee management. This compelling leadership development guide intertwines meticulous analysis, poignant case studies, and expert perspectives, empowering you to seamlessly traverse the intricate terrain of today's workforce dynamics. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you ever found yourself nodding in agreement during a meeting while silently thinking, “This will never work.”? You’re not alone. Too often, we hold back in disagreement, fearing conflict, which only leads to frustration down the line. But managing conflict is a crucial skill for both managers and employees. Today’s guest is here to teach us how to respectfully disagree with your co-workers. Meet Justin Jones-Fosu. At the helm of Work. Meaningful. Justin is the driving force and CEO behind a movement that empowers organizations across the globe, delivering over 50 keynote addresses a year on the pivotal topics of meaningful work and inclusion. His mission is to ignite a transformation in corporate culture, guiding organizations and individuals to ascend to their peak potential through mastery of mindset, purpose, and performance. Justin and I talk about strategies for handling disagreements at work respectfully and productively–without compromising relationships. He shares the “Power of Three,” a technique that digs deep into conversations, ensuring both sides feel heard. Plus, we explore how practicing respectful disagreement can actually lead to better ideas, more innovation, stronger teams, and more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:56) Disrespectful agreement vs. respectful disagreement(04:14) Using the Power of Three in workplace conflict resolution(07:49) How the Power of Three works in real-life (11:27) Agree to disagree isn’t always the answer(14:16) How to provide feedback and differing views without hurting relationships(24:38) Getting team members to support decisions they didn’t agree with(28:02) A great manager Justin has worked for(36:27) [Extended Episode Only] How to proactively approach conflict using the 5 pillars model Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Justin Jones-Fosu - Follow Justin on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of Justin’s book here - Check out his website for more information here - Check out Justin’s book recommendation - Dialogue: The Art Of Thinking Together here FREE PDF: Tips for the Modern Manager to Respectfully Disagree Justin is providing members of Podcast+ with a free PDF that includes Tips for the Modern Manager to Respectfully Disagree. In this 20-page PDF, you will find a series of 10 Quick Tips from Work Meaningful for individuals, leaders, and those navigating the political divide. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Is it possible to achieve high-quality business results while building a thriving team? Many leaders often believe they must choose between driving results and prioritizing their people. However, time and again, we’ve seen that choosing one over the other rarely leads to better outcomes. Thankfully, today’s guest brings a new perspective and practical strategies to help us achieve both at the same time. Today’s guest is Rachel Cooke. Rachel is a workforce activator, speaker, and facilitator. She is the Founder of Lead Above Noise - a firm specializing in activating teams - and the host of the Modern Mentor podcast. In this episode, Rachel and I dive deeper into the common misconception that results and engagement are at odds. She shares insightful, real-world examples of how small, incremental changes can transform both your business outcomes and your teams’ well-being. Plus, in the extended episode available to members of Podcast+, we talk about navigating pushbacks when implementing changes and fostering team cohesion through compromise and understanding. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:15) The tension between business results vs. people engagement(03:25) Results and engagement are not separate conversations(04:13) The rowing team analogy: How small strategies improve results and morale(07:36) Four pillars for driving both results and team engagement(16:23) How small changes can have a big impact (21:52) Engaging teams in identifying pain points and solutions (24:49) A great manager Rachel has worked for(26:19) Keep up with Rachel(26:21) [Extended Episode Only] How to navigate different perspectives and pushback when implementing changes(30:57) [Extended Episode Only] Fostering team cohesion through compromise and understanding Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Level up your skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Rachel Cooke - Subscribe to Rachel’s The Modern Mentor podcast here - Follow her on LinkedIn here - Check out her website for more information here FREE: Leader Activation Worksheet Rachel is providing members of Podcast+ with free access to her Leader Activation Worksheet. It's a compliment to the conversation we just had about the four pillars of activation - what it is, why it matters, and how to achieve it.  To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Mindset is crucial for success, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Yet, many of us feel stuck and merely going through the motions. But what if I told you that a simple mindset shift could provide the clarity and focus you needed to move forward? That’s exactly what today’s guest is here for. Today’s guest is Penny Zenker. Penny is known as “The Focusologist.” She’s a sought-after international keynote speaker and best-selling author. She is one of the leading experts in the psychology of productivity to eliminate distraction, perfectionism, and self-sabotage to maximize results personally and professionally. And, she just released her newest book, The Reset Mindset: Get Unstuck, Focus on What Matters Most, and Reach Your Goals Faster. Penny shares a powerful strategy for real-time resets, ensuring you’re always aligned with your most important goals, even during the chaos. She explains the difference between a reset mindset and a growth mindset, the benefits of practicing a reset mindset, how managers can make it a part of their team culture, and more. Whether you’re a manager looking to boost your team’s performance or simply someone who wants to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters, this episode is a must-listen. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:31) What is a reset mindset?(03:01) Understanding reset moments in our everyday lives(04:52) Growth mindset vs. reset mindset(08:06) How practicing a reset mindset can benefit managers and their teams(11:21) Three steps to developing a reset mindset(26:33) A great manager Penny has worked for(28:04) Keep up with Penny(28:49) [Extended Episode Only] Fostering a reset mindset as part of your team culture(36:37) [Extended Episode Only] Practical tips for using reset moments during meetings Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Listen to Mamie on the Take Back Time podcast talking about productive meetings here Keep up with  Penny Zenker - Follow Penny on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here - Catch her on the Take Back Time podcast here - Grab a copy of her book here FREE 125 Daily Planner Download Penny is providing her 135 Daily Planning workshop for free to members of Podcast+. Most to-do lists get you lost in the little stuff. The 135 Daily Planner helps you balance what is urgent and important so you can focus on what matters most.  To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

When there’s great leadership, everyone flourishes. We’ve seen the outcomes of having great leaders at work countless times–high-performing teams, healthy workplaces, increased profitability, and happy employees, among other things. But what actually makes a great leader? What leadership traits create a lasting impact not just on organizations but also on the lives of the people you lead?  Thankfully, our guest expert is here to help us broaden our view of what effective leadership truly looks like. Today’s guest is Gaia van der Esch. Gaia is an author, CEO, and policy expert. Above all, though, she sees herself as a change-maker. Gaia is currently the managing director of a large international foundation working to halt climate change, poverty, and exclusion, and previously served as the G20 Sherpa on gender equality. Her new book “Leading Our Way: How Women Are Redefining Leadership” was released recently by Wiley. Amongst others, she was nominated by Forbes in their 30under30 list. In this episode, Gaia and I discuss what great leadership actually entails. Drawing on examples from influential women like Christina Figueres and Gloria Steinem, Gaia dives into how leaders can cultivate empathy, embrace vulnerability, and shift from hierarchical to circular leadership models.  Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Gaia reveals the transformative effect of embracing your authentic leadership style and offers insights on how to help your team members do the same. Tune in to discover how you can lead your way. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:13) The problem with women embracing traditional leadership style(07:05) Why leaders must have a hard back with a soft front approach to leadership(12:29) Crying in the workplace isn’t a sign of weakness(17:26) Leadership is power with people and NOT power over people(20:22) The pros and cons of co-leadership(25:46) Iconic women leaders and their leadership styles (31:36) Keep up with Gaia(32:35) [Extended Episode Only] Tips in navigating people’s responses when you embrace your own authentic leadership style(36:58) [Extended Episode Only] How to empower your team members to embrace authentic leadership Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Gaia van der Esch - Connect with Gaia on LinkedIn and Instagram - Grab a copy of her book  here - Visit Gaia’s website for more information here 20% Off Leading Our Way: How Women Are Redefining Leadership In this book, Gaia shares an inspiring collection of leadership stories from seven iconic women around the world. These stories explore new leadership models, concepts, and tools to inspire action and solve global challenges. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Imagine standing at the base of Mt. Everest, feeling the crushing weight of doubt and fear. Now, picture your toughest work challenge–where quitting feels like the best option. Would you push through or hit the quit button? Many of us struggle with the internal battle of wanting to avoid discomfort, even though deep down, we know that overcoming these challenges is essential for growth and success.  For managers, this struggle is even more amplified. Our roles demand that we make difficult decisions, provide tough feedback, and guide our teams through challenging situations.  But how do we convince ourselves and our teams to do the hard things? Today’s guest will teach us how to build the mental toughness we all need. Meet Lei Wang. Lei is a renowned international motivational speaker and executive coach, celebrated for her historic achievement as the first Asian woman to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam, which involves conquering the highest peak on each continent and skiing to both the North and South Poles.  Through her incredible journey, Lei has developed a unique perspective on resilience, leadership, and personal growth, empowering individuals and organizations to reach new heights and achieve extraordinary success.  In this episode, Lei shares her journey from being a “typical city girl” in Beijing to becoming an extreme adventurer.  We explore the mental strength it takes to overcome adversity, the power of finding and holding on to your deeper why, the role of tough love in helping your team grow stronger, and more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:54) Meet Lei Wang and her bigger-than-life goal(07:15) The mindset shift that gets you to show up even when you don’t want to(13:03) Trusting your own strength when the going gets tough(18:00) How managers can help their team push through(21:03) Introducing the Mighty Mouse framework(22:29) One key action to take if you want to play big(25:24) A great manager Lei has worked for(27:29) Keep up with Lei(28:09) [Extended Episode Only] How to support a team member through tough times(30:48) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when you make excuses to avoid hard tasks Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Lei Wang - Follow Lei on LinkedIn here - Invite Lei to speak to your next event here -  Join Lei’s coaching program here FREE Leadership Assessment Workbook: Uncover Your Mighty Leadership Potential Lei is providing members of Podcast+ her Leadership Assessment Workbook: Uncover Your Mighty Leadership Potential for FREE. This downloadable workbook offers practical exercises and insights designed to help aspiring executives identify strengths, bridge gaps, and create a strategic plan for career advancement. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Are you or your team members feeling unhappy at work?  When discussing job dissatisfaction, people often point to issues like job title or compensation. However, we frequently overlook the fact that humans have complex emotions, and sometimes, we struggle to express what we truly feel. Thankfully, this week’s guest will help us explore what’s really going on beneath the surface and provide insights on how we can help ourselves and our team members reignite our passion for our careers. Today's guest is Dr Tessa West. Tessa is a professor of psychology at New York University, where she is a leading expert on the science of social relationships. Her academic research and writing for the media focuses on how to improve communication between employees, bosses and hiring professionals across workplace settings. She has over 100 academic publications and is a regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal. Her first book, Jerks at Work published to rave reviews, and her latest book, Job Therapy, is what we discussed today.  Tessa and I dive into the deep psychological reasons behind job dissatisfaction, exploring how our careers can sometimes feel like challenging relationships. She shares practical tools and strategies to help diagnose and address these issues. Are you ready to transform your work life and have a more fulfilling and productive career? Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:43) Why people are unhappy with their jobs (Hint: it’s not about the structural factors)(03:21) How job therapy tools can identify specific issues causing unhappiness at work(05:49) Why you should treat your career as a relationship (08:10) Purpose-driven work could be making you miserable(10:16) How to spot hidden issues in employee behavior(15:13) What managers can do to address employee unhappiness(20:06) Real stories of how people handle job dissatisfaction(25:03) What happens when people find the perfect career for themselves(27:11) A great manager Tessa has worked for(28:44) Keep up with Tessa(29:34) [Extended Episode Only] How to effectively deal with busyness at work(33:41) [Extended Episode Only] Practical approach to managing task-switching and work interruptions Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Tessa - Take Tessa’s career quiz here - Learn more about her research here - Grab a copy of Tessa’s Job Therapy book here Book Giveaway: FREE 10 Copies of Tessa’s Job Therapy Tessa is giving away 10 copies of her latest book Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works For You. This book helps you figure out the real reason you're unhappy and shows you how to find a new position in which you'll thrive, whether in a different role, company or new industry altogether.  You must be a member of Podcast+ to enter the drawing and do so before Friday, August 31. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Imagine sensing the underlying emotions in a tense meeting or intuitively knowing when to steer a conversation in a more productive direction–all by tuning into your body’s signals. That’s how intelligent your body can be! Science says that your body knows more than you realize–it’s always sending you signals. Yet, we aren’t taught how to interpret these signals well, especially in a workplace setting. Thankfully, today’s guest is an expert in mind-body connection and will teach you how to develop sensory awareness so you can be a better manager. Meet Dr. Amanda Blake. Amanda is an internationally celebrated educator and executive coach with a pedigree spanning more than 25 years and 35,000 students in companies, non-profits, colleges and universities, professional associations, and more.  She has shown people in over 50 countries how they can enjoy life more while making a bigger contribution and has reached many thousands more as a top-rated podcast guest with her award-winning book Your Body is Your Brain.  She is a Master Somatic Coach and her primary research areas are the neurobiology of embodied learning, applied ethics, and leadership effectiveness. Today, Amanda explains what embodied intelligence is and explores the different sources of intelligence within our bodies. She also offers practical tips for building greater body awareness. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:33) What is embodied intelligence?(04:16) Different sources of intelligence in our bodies(08:08) How childhood experiences influence embodied cognition(13:56) Why improving your sensory awareness matters(16:01) Practical tips for building greater body awareness(19:53) Client transformation stories using the mind-body connection(26:38) Quick recap(29:26) A great manager Amanda has worked for(30:28) Keep up with Amanda(31:16) [Extended Episode Only] How the body impacts the mind(35:48) [Extended Episode Only] Applying bodily awareness in stressful work situations Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Amanda Blake - Follow Amanda on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of her book Your Body is Your Brain here - Join the Centering Challenge here - Visit Embright for more resources here Book Giveaway: 2 FREE Copies of Your Body is Your Brain Amanda is giving away 2 FREE copies of her book, Your Body is Your Brain: Leverage Your Somatic Intelligence to Find Purpose, Build Resilience, Deepen Relationships and Lead More Powerfully.    In this book, you’ll learn to strengthen your social and emotional intelligence by cultivating your innate somatic intelligence. This powerful mind-body science applies in the workplace and beyond.  To enter the drawing, you must be a member of Podcast+ and submit your entry by August 23, 2024. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Focus on attributes, not skills. So often, we are easily impressed by what we see on resumes or how someone performed during their last big project. But here’s the truth: skills are just one piece of the puzzle. If we focus too much on skills, we risk overlooking one of the most important drivers of human performance–attributes. Attributes play a key role not only in our daily tasks but also in navigating stress, challenges, and uncertainty when plans go awry.  So, how can you leverage these attributes to improve your own or your team’s performance? Fortunately, today’s guest will help us unpack all there is to know about attributes. Meet Rich Diviney. Rich is a bestselling author, leadership and human performance expert, and retired Navy SEAL commander. As the officer in charge of training for the elite SEAL Teams, Rich was intimately involved in the highly specialized selection process, which pared down a group of already exceptional candidates to a small cadre of the most elite optimal performers. During this work, he gained insight and passion for writing about the innate qualities we all possess, resulting in his first book, “The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers to Optimal Performance.” which is what we discuss today. In this episode, Rich explains the differences between attributes and skills, the types of attributes essential to optimal performance, and tips on how you or your team can improve them. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Rich reveals the attributes best suited for managerial roles and shares some tips on designing an interview process to assess a candidate’s attributes. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:58) What are attributes and how are they different from skills?(06:02) How to assess an individual’s attributes(10:05) An example of why determining someone’s real attributes is important(12:29) The different types of attributes(17:52) Balancing attributes for peak team performance(21:14) Three components to improving an attribute(23:56) How managers can help their team members improve an attribute(27:35) A great manager Rich has worked for(29:52) Keep up with Rich(30:47) Final thoughts(31:47) [Extended Episode Only] Attributes that are best suited for managerial roles(36:36) [Extended Episode Only] Using attributes for effective leadership succession planning(38:19) [Extended Episode Only] How to design an interview process to assess a candidate’s attributes Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Rich Diviney - Follow Rich on Instagram here - Grab a copy of Rich’s book here - Take The Attributes Assessment here 15% off The Attributes Assessment Rich is providing members of Podcast+ 15% off The Attributes Assessment. This digital tool unlocks a deeper understanding of your individual strengths by delving into your 41 Attributes levels and giving you invaluable insights into your top 5 (strengths) and bottom 5 (areas for potential development). To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Are you struggling to deal with narcissistic personalities in your workplace? Working with a narcissist can feel like a never-ending battle. Their lack of empathy, manipulative skills, and constant need for admiration can easily create a tense atmosphere at work. So, how do you manage this type of toxic behavior and protect yourself and your team from the emotional turmoil brought on by a narcissist? Today’s guest might just have the best solution. Meet Rebecca Zung. Rebecca is a globally recognized negotiation and communications expert, as well as an attorney recognized by U.S. News. She is a bestselling author and the designer of the proven SLAY Method® for negotiating with narcissists. In this episode, Rebecca and I talk about the different types of narcissists at work and how to spot them, practical strategies to protect yourself and your team from their toxic behavior, how to win a negotiation with a narcissist, and much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:31) The different types of narcissists and how to spot them(09:14) How to intervene if a team member shows narcissistic behavior(13:43) What is narcissistic blindness and how to deal with it(24:16) How to protect yourself and your team from a narcissist(29:38) A great manager Rebecca has worked for(32:26) Keep up with Rebecca(34:18) [Extended Episode Only] The SLAY Method® and its applications when negotiating with narcissists(41:16) [Extended Episode Only] Success story using the SLAY Method® Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Rebecca Zung - Follow Rebecca on Instagram here - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here - Visit her website for more information here $1,000 Discount on Slay Certification Program Rebecca is offering a $1,000 discount on her Slay Certification Program to members of Podcast+. This one-of-a-kind coaching program equips you with the essential tools to help people effectively navigate narcissistic or difficult people by applying the transformative power of the SLAY® Method. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

As a manager, you are entrusted to lead and manage your team, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always get things right. When you have power and authority, it can be challenging to own your shortfalls and mistakes. After all, you are someone that your team members look up to. But our guest thinks otherwise. He believes that showing up with radical humility builds trust, fosters connection, and creates a psychologically safe environment. So, how do you practice humility as a leader? Today’s guest is Urs Koenig, a former United Nations military peacekeeper and NATO military peacekeeping commander. He is a highly accomplished ultra-endurance champion, a widely published professor, and a seasoned executive coach and keynote speaker with more than three decades of experience helping hundreds of leaders and dozens of executive teams unlock new levels of achievement across four continents. He is the founder of the Radical Humility Leadership Institute and speaks frequently on the topic of leadership to corporations and associations across the globe.  Urs and I talk about the importance of humility in leadership, emphasizing self-awareness, relational leadership, and a growth mindset. He also explains the need for modern leadership to depart from the traditional command-and-control model in favor of one that empowers team members and builds trust.  Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+members, Urs breaks down the five mental shifts that every leader must make and how to lead like a compass. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:03) What is radical humility, and why is it important?(04:35) Leadership practices that were working before but not anymore(06:55) How to encourage honest feedback from your team(09:05) Mastering self-awareness to become a better leader(12:27) The Ted Lasso technique explained(18:38) The quickest way to build trust with your team(23:17) The importance of building psychological safety and nurturing a fearless culture(27:34) A great manager Urs has worked for(28:44) Keep up with Urs(29:05) [Extended Episode Only] 5 mental shifts that every leader must make(29:58) [Extended Episode Only] How to lead like a compass(37:12) [Extended Episode Only] A great example of when leaders lead with radical humility Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Urs Koenig - Grab a copy of Urs book here - Follow Urs on LinkedIn here - Check his website for more information here FREE  Radical Humility NOW Leadership Prompts Urs is providing members of Podcast+ a PDF of the Radical Humility NOW Leadership NOW Prompts. These are exercises from the book that can help you apply Radical Humility in your leadership and life.  To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss

Have you ever felt that your one-on-one meetings aren’t as effective as they should be? Before you write them off your calendar, consider this: a Gallup study reveals that employees are three times more engaged when they experience regular one-on-ones. But let’s face it—one-on-ones take up a significant portion of your time. They aren’t as easy as asking your team members, “How are you?”. Fortunately, this week’s guest is here to help make your one-on-ones more valuable to you and your people. Meet Dr. Steven Rogelberg. Steven is an organizational psychologist and holds the distinguished title of Chancellor’s Professor at UNC Charlotte. His new book Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings was designated as a top 12 book by SHRM. He and his work have been featured on CBS Sunday, CNN, MSN, HBR, WSJ, and BBC World, to name a few. Adam Grant has called Steven the world’s leading expert on meetings.    In this episode, Steven and I explore the significance of one-on-one meetings between managers and their direct reports.  He shares the benefits of regular one-on-ones and offers practical, actionable tips to make these meetings more effective.  Plus, in the extended episode available to members of Podcast+, he discusses how these meetings can become an integral part of organizational culture and explains the powerful concept of skip-level one-on-ones. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:26) What is a one-on-one meeting?(05:00) The manager’s role in facilitating these meetings(07:02) Astounding benefits of conducting one-on-ones(11:02) Effective questions to ask in one-on-one meetings(20:59) Common mistakes managers make during one-on-ones(23:19) How often and how long should you conduct these meetings(25:44) The importance of connecting through meaningful conversations at work(28:54) Keep up with Steven(29:31) [Extended Episode Only] How one-on-ones can be a part of your organizational culture(34:44) [Extended Episode Only] What you need to know about skip-level one-on-one meetings Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Steven - Follow Steven on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of Steven’s book here FREE Guide Questions to Ask During One-on-One Meetings In lieu of this week’s episode, Mamie is providing members of Podcast Plus with a list of more than 30 questions to ask during your one-on-one meetings. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

As a manager, you have a lot on your plate. Investing in relational time can sometimes feel like a nice-to-have rather than a must-do. But making time to build strong relationships and connections at work should be your top priority. It’s the single most impactful thing you can do for your career. Why? Today’s guest explains it all. Today’s guest is Patricia Bathory. Patricia combines her roles as a seasoned psychotherapist and the founder of a thriving import/export business to offer unique insights into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and leaders. Join Patricia and me as we talk about why investing in building strong workplace relationships and connections is vital, how to communicate expectations clearly, and the importance of empathy and understanding in the workplace. Whether you’re working with 5 to 500 colleagues, this episode is packed with insights on improving your relational skills even with people you may not necessarily like or agree with. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:05) Why invest in strong relationships at work?(05:02) How to evaluate your workplace relationships(06:18) Recognizing your “way” is just one of many(11:13) The role of expectations in staying connected to people(14:53) Tips for handling workplace conflict(18:15) The art of seeing something from someone else’s perspective(24:55) A great manager Patricia has worked for(26:20) Keep up with Patricia(26:53) Final thoughts(27:36) [Extended Episode Only] What does it mean to be 50% of a relationship?(35:21) [Extended Episode Only] How to cope with feelings of betrayal Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Grab The Modern Manager Skills Accelerator Bundle here Keep up with Patricia - Follow Patricia on LinkedIn here - Check out her other works here Get 10% off Connected: Building Relationships to Achieve Success and Make a Lasting Impact In Connected, Patricia Bathory reveals the importance of building a strong network of relationships (our village) to support us as we pursue our dreams. Drawing from her business experience, research into successful people’s relationships, and therapy practice, she shows readers how to master the art of connecting to lead healthier, happier, and more meaningful lives To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

One of the toughest transitions for any leader is moving from doing the work to leading others who do the work.  As a manager, it’s still expected that you’ll roll up your sleeves and get work done. However, as your role grows more complex, it becomes clear that effective leadership means empowering your team to take on more of those tasks. Delegating, however, isn’t as simple as it seems.  Managers, often former high-performing contributors, can find it frustrating to hand off responsibilities, especially when the results don’t meet their expectations.  When this happens, the issue isn’t usually with the team member but with how the task was delegated. So, how do you delegate effectively? Today, we will break down the 5 S’s of delegation and explain how each method ensures your team members are in the growth zone for optimal performance. I’ll also share real-life examples of how I delegate tasks to my team and in the extended episode available to members of Podcast+, I share a bonus delegation tip that has made a huge difference in my workflow. Are you ready to master the art of delegation? Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:13) What I realized about delegation(01:55) The Set Free approach explained(07:36) Discussing the Sandbox method(09:12) How does the Safety Net approach work?(10:34) Using the Scaffolding method to delegate tasks(11:54) The Sectioning approach to delegation(12:39) Can you combine any of these delegation approaches?(13:09) [Extended Episode Only] Bonus tip for effective delegation Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here- Grab The Modern Manager Skills Accelerator Bundle here FREE Delegation Workbook To help you take steps to delegate more responsibilities and to delegate more effectively, members of Podcast+ get the delegation workbook which recaps these five approaches and provides tips or suggestions for how to use each one. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

When you think of project management, what first comes to mind? For many folks, it’s associated with getting certified to lead the execution of major projects. You can even hold the title of Project Manager in some businesses! Yet, much of what all managers do–setting goals, creating plans, managing teams–is essentially project management.  We’ve quietly slipped into the project manager role, just without the official title. However, working intuitively in this capacity can lead to challenges. Today’s guest is here to set us on the right path toward project success. Meet Kory Kogon. Kory Kogan is FranklinCovey’s vice president of Content and Senior Consultant. She is the co-author of Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager and has appeared as an expert on TODAY, MSNBC’s Your Business, Forbes.com, Inc.com, and FastCompany.com.  She is also one of the authors of the following FranklinCovey work sessions: The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity®, Project Management Essentials for the Unofficial Project Manager™, and Presentation Advantage®. Kory brings more than 25 years of business expertise, from frontline positions to an executive team member. In this episode, Kory explains how intuitive project management skills from our personal lives can be applied in professional settings. She emphasizes the importance of combining value, people, and process for project success, shares a practical 5-step framework for effective project management, offers tips to keep projects moving forward and on track, and much more. Join the conversation now and discover how to elevate your project management skills! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:50) Why we’re all unofficial project managers(04:14) Project management in an organizational setting explained(08:13) The project management success formula(10:52) 5-step framework for effective project management(13:29) What does the scoping process look like?(20:56) Real-world example of poor scoping(24:26) Tips to keep projects moving forward and on track(31:01) A great manager Kory has worked for(33:29) Keep up with Kory(34:45) [Extended Episode Only] The power and components of Gantt charts(42:34) [Extended Episode Only] How to keep your project plan relevant and effective Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here Keep up with Kory Kogon - Follow Kory on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of her book here FREE Copies of Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager  Kory is providing 2 copies of Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager to members of Podcast+. To win one of these copies, you must enter the drawing by July 10th. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Dealing with stressful conversations is never easy; whether you’re telling a client the project is delayed or relaying a bad performance review to a team member. But as managers, we can’t just avoid these conversations. Putting them off may protect us from our vulnerabilities, but they actually get in the way of having authentic and productive conversations with our teams. So, how do we navigate the emotional rollercoaster of a stressful conversation? How do we make sure they actually lead to something positive? Today’s guest will walk us through how we can engage in difficult conversations most productively. Joining me today is Candice Elliott. Candice is a Fractional CHRO and HR Mentor for business and non-profit leaders. She focuses on the intersection of public health, organizational and community development, helping leaders foster cultures of healing where they and their teams can thrive.  In this episode, Candice walks us through the four Fs of stress responses. She also discusses the importance of creating a safe work environment through trust and relationship-building, plus helpful physical techniques to release stress and much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:58) The four Fs of stress responses(05:43) Helpful tips to keep your stress response from sabotaging your conversations(08:48) Is taking a break advisable when in a stressful conversation?(13:06) What does a freeze response look like, and how to manage it?(18:16) The importance of building trust and meaningful relationships(24:17) Physical techniques to release stress(25:06) A great manager Candice has worked for(26:21) Keep up with Candice(27:32) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when someone you’re speaking with becomes defensive?(34:57) [Extended Episode Only] How to handle difficult conversations in a team setting Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here Keep up with Candice Elliott - Follow Candice on Instagram and LinkedIn - Visit her website for more information here Free 45-Minute Burnout Buster Consult Candice is offering members of Podcast+ a free Burnout Buster Consult. During this 45-minute session, you’ll identify the most impactful next step you can take toward preventing burnout for you and your team. To get these guest bonuses and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Meetings are an important part of how we collaborate, but too often, they feel more like a waste of time rather than a productive engagement. How often have you left a meeting feeling like you’ve lost time and momentum? Our guest has found a way to reclaim your time and make every meeting count. Today’s guest is Yari Ising. Yari is the founder of The Ising Agency, a firm offering operations, recruiting, and admin support for stretched-thin in-house teams. With over 10 years of experience leading teams, she has seen firsthand the common blindspots that managers have, along with what employees need most from managers. Yari reveals her “unusual” yet proven strategies and practices that have helped her team and clients improve their meetings and get more done. We explore the benefits of no-meeting days, the exit strategy, and more meetings dos and don’ts. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:17) The problem with having full days of meetings(03:12) How to stop the cycle of endless unnecessary meetings(08:33) A healthy way to implement no-meeting days(10:08) Benefits of no-meeting days(12:59) How to design meetings that work best for your team(15:00) The graceful exit strategy(19:14) How to keep your team members up-to-date when they aren’t in a meeting(22:00) Meeting dos and don’ts(25:20) A great manager Yari has worked for(26:17) Keep up with Yari(27:20) [Extended Episode Only] The essentialist approach to meetings(30:19) [Extended Episode Only] Helpful tools for effective meetings Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here Keep up with Yari - Follow Yari on LinkedIn here - Check more of Yari’s works here Free Workshop Handout for Optimizing Meeting Participation Download my workshop handout for optimizing meeting participation. You’ll learn how to decide who should be engaged before, during and after a meeting, how to engage them, and how to make the shift from everyone being invited to engaging people appropriately at each stage. To get these guest bonuses and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Teamwork makes the dream work. But does it? Most of us believe that being a team means nurturing teamwork, embracing camaraderie, and supporting each other emotionally. However, these factors, although very important, aren't essential for every type of team. Today’s guest will unpack what makes a team and how to build a strong one. Meet James Scouller. James is an executive coach, thought leader, former CEO, and expert in building teams. He is also the author of the trilogy How to Build Winning Teams Again and Again and Again, the first series of handbooks to explain the psychology, principles, and road maps behind team success. Known for his expertise in leadership and team dynamics, James discusses what truly defines a team, highlighting his 3 Cs model–Commit, Combust, Combine–and how it builds winning teams.  He also provides real-world examples of different types of teams at work, explains how managers can support their teams through the stages of effective team formation, emphasizes the importance of trust and clear unifying goals, and much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:26) What makes a team?(02:18) Pseudo teams vs. performance teams(07:47) What does a “real” team look like in the workplace?(11:24) Determining the right type of team for your work(16:44) Building a winning team using the 3 Cs(30:16) How to encourage people to prioritize the team first over personal needs(32:12) A great manager James has worked for(35:09) Keep up with James(36:43) [Extended Episode Only] The dual forces concept and how it disrupts team formation(42:43) [Extended Episode Only] Tips for helping team members with their mindset and behavioral shift(44:39) [Extended Episode Only] How to craft a positive narrative for your team Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here Keep up with James - Follow James on LinkedIn and Twitter - Grab a copy of his book here - Visit Leadership Mastery Suite here 3 Exclusive Bonuses For Podcast+ Members James is providing 3 amazing bonuses to members of Podcast+: A PDF download of his “Rapid Team Rater” tool, which lets you assess your team within 10-15 minutes using a framework based on the Seven Principles team building model. An entire folder consisting of James’ sophisticated suite of tools called “Team Fixer”. The tools help you figure out your team’s top psychological issue and then zero in on the actions you’ll need to apply.A free hour of consultation with James, where you can use the Rapid Team Rater tool to discuss the specifics of your team.To get these guest bonuses and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you feel overwhelmed as you step into your first management role? Climbing up the corporate ladder can be exciting, but research shows that transitioning from an individual contributor into a manager role is one of the most challenging and stressful periods in a person’s career. Many new managers don’t easily make the psychological transition from an individual contributor paid to perform tasks to a manager entrusted with achieving results through others’ efforts. But that’s exactly what we need to do. Meet Eric Girard. Eric is the CEO of Girard Training Solutions and the author of Lead Like a Pro: The Essential Guide for New Managers. He has over 30 years of experience helping improve the performance of managers and employees. He specializes in the development of new managers, focusing on their successful transition to their new role and on their team management skills. Eric and I talk about the key skills and mindset shift that new and not-so-new managers need to succeed in building a strong, thriving team.  Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:53) Biggest challenges new managers run into(03:31) What’s the job of a manager?(06:28) How to coach someone to navigate their own challenges(08:46) Why managers need to learn to delegate(11:10) How new managers can build trust with their team(17:35) The four different stages of team formation(20:35) Tips and tricks for navigating through all the four stages of team formation(25:00) How managers can help their team members work through times of change(30:05) A great manager Eric has worked for(33:50) Keep up with Eric(34:43) [EXTENDED EPISODE ONLY] A new way of using the SWOT analysis to help yourself and your team become better(40:32) [EXTENDED EPISODE ONLY] How to effectively set goals as a team  Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Eric: - Follow Eric on LinkedIn here - Join Eric’s Lead Like a Pro Workshop here - Grab a copy of his book, Lead Like a Pro here- Build your team’s skills here Giveaway: 4 Copies of “Lead Like a Pro” Eric is giving away 4 signed copies of his book, Lead Like a Pro: An Essential Guide For New Managers. This book is your roadmap to becoming a successful manager people will want to work with. As Eric explains, anyone who wants to thrive in a new management position, get the most from their teams, and contribute to their organization’s success must transform themselves from an individual contributor who can manage tasks into someone who’s great at managing people. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you tried ChatGPT yet?   AI is taking the business world by storm and AI tools have now become an integral part of daily workflows. While many businesses are already discovering ways to adopt and leverage AI, a lot of managers I speak with aren't sure how to take advantage of it. In this week's episode, I share my list of top picks of innovative AI tools that can dramatically boost your team's productivity. From AI-driven task generators that simplify project planning to advanced writing tools that improve your writing and communication skills, I have it all covered just for you. Whether you're a seasoned team manager or just someone looking to elevate your skills with AI, this episode is packed with information. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(00:46) Take advantage of task generators(02:20) Leveraging AI writing tools(03:58) How AI-powered meeting notes work(06:39) Boost productivity with task planners(08:41) Reminders when using AI tools(10:20) [Extended Episode Only] My #1 AI productivity tool  Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here My Personal Task Management System (Behind-the-Scenes) Members of Podcast+ get a behind-the-scenes look at my personal task management system where I share all my tips and tricks for how I capture tasks, plan my day, and use Asana and Akiflow to keep myself organized and on track. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Vulnerability is a key ingredient in nurturing meaningful personal relationships, but does it hold the same weight in a professional context? Brené Brown has popularized the idea of vulnerability, but how we act vulnerable in the workplace differs from how we show vulnerability in personal spaces. After all, work comes with its own set of challenges–from managing teams and pleasing customers to hitting tight deadlines, all laden with overtones of power dynamics. This week’s guest is here to shed some light on why and how we should be vulnerable and confident at work. Today’s guest is Jacob Morgan. Jacob is the best-selling author of five books, including his most recent, Leading With Vulnerability, which is based on over 100 CEO interviews and a survey of 14,000 employees. He is also a professionally trained futurist and speaker. Jacob unpacks the simple yet effective equation of vulnerability + leadership, and how by combining these two ingredients, you can lead your team effectively. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:39) What does leading with vulnerability mean?(06:45) The right and wrong way to approach vulnerability in the workplace(13:30) Real-life scenarios showing vulnerability at work(19:59) Three paths to becoming a vulnerable leader(23:53) Why some people avoid leading with vulnerability(26:57) A great manager Jacob has worked for(28:10) Keep up with Jacob(29:23) [Extended Episode Only] What do to when you’re being vulnerable and it lands wrong(35:55) [Extended Episode Only] The power of “I” statements and real emotions Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Jacob Morgan - Follow Jacob on LinkedIn and Twitter - Listen to his podcast here - Grab a copy of his book here - Visit his website for more information here Free Sample of “Leading With Vulnerability” Jacob Morgan is happy to offer a 23-page sample of his book, “Leading With Vulnerability”. Based on over 100 CEO interviews and a survey of nearly 14,000 employees, Jacob shares candid stories and original research that shows how leaders can tap into vulnerability to transform themselves, their teams, and their organizations.  To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

When you think of a successful career, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not generosity–a term not often associated with the business world.  However, generosity in leadership is about giving of oneself–time, attention, and mentorship–for everyone’s gain. And that’s a powerful business strategy.  Generous leaders invest in their team’s growth and well-being. They cultivate a culture of trust and collaboration, where each team member’s potential is nurtured and celebrated. And our guest offers profound insights into this leadership style. Today’s guest is Joe Davis. Joe is a Managing Director and Senior Partner at the Boston Consulting Group, where he has been for 37 years. His new book, ‘The Generous Leader: 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone's Gain,’ reflects his passion for people and his desire to support their development and inspire teams to work better than they thought possible. Joe shares what it means to be a generous leader and how you can become one in seven simple ways. We also discuss how a generous leader listens and communicates to support their team, the power of doing small acts for your team, and much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:41) What is a generous leader?(03:29) Seven characteristics of a generous leader(06:35) What deep listening looks like(13:21) Strategies to create a more welcoming work environment(16:25) How to ensure your team members understand what you’re communicating(19:21) What is a generous action ally (23:19) Example of how a manager can be a generous action ally to their team members(26:43) A great manager Joe has worked for(28:48) Keep up with Joe(30:29) [Extended Episode Only] Small acts that have a big impact(33:14) [Extended Episode Only] How to incorporate small yet powerful acts into your day and week Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Joe Davis - Grab a copy of his book, The Generous Leader, here - Follow Joe on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram  - Check out his website for more information here Giveaway - 5 Copies of “The Generous Leader: 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone’s Gain” Joe Davis’s book, The Generous Leader, is an innovative and insightful 7-part guide to heartfelt and collaborative actions that transform the reader into a generous leader. It is for anyone seeking to elevate their heart, lead with humanity, and live a life of deep integrity. You must enter the drawing by Wednesday, May 8. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

How does it feel to work with somebody you'd rather avoid? Let's admit it: We all experience a fair share of difficult people at work. And many times, we just have to be around them whether we like it or not. However, there are a few things, that we can do to lessen their impact on us.  Today's workplace expert unpacks everything we need to know about working with difficult people. Amy Gallo is the author of Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People), the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict, as well as hundreds of articles for Harvard Business Review. She is also the co-host of HBR’s popular Women at Work podcast, which examines the struggles and successes of women in the workplace. In this episode, Amy shares the eight types of difficult people we usually encounter at work and how to deal with them effectively. We also talk about the challenges of written communication, checking our own behavior, and so much more.  Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:27) 8 kinds of difficult co-workers most people work with(05:45) Personality clash vs. productive conflict (07:32) How to deal with problematic behavior at work(14:36) The manager’s role in solving work conflict(16:23) Is confronting a colleague with their bad behaviors a good strategy?(20:10) How to appropriately respond to difficult written communications(29:16) A great manager Amy has worked for(31:03) Keep up with Amy(32:32) [Extended Episode Only] The role of biases in judging someone’s behavior(36:11) [Extended Episode Only] How managers should intervene when team members have issues working together Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Amy Gallo - Follow Amy on LinkedIn here - Listen to her podcast here - Grab a copy of her book here - Check out her other works here Book Giveaway:  2 Signed Copies of “Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People)” Amy is giving away 2 copies of her book, Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) to members of Podcast+. In this book, Amy identifies eight familiar types of difficult coworkers and provides strategies tailored to dealing constructively with each one. She also shares principles that will help you turn things around, no matter who you're at odds with. You must enter the drawing by Wednesday, May 1. To get guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

One of the most crucial yet often overlooked tasks for managers is hiring. While it may seem straightforward, hiring is an intricate process filled with challenges that can shake even the most seasoned manager.  In today’s competitive job market, where job postings can receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications, distinguishing top candidates from the rest requires more than just reviewing resumes.  Thankfully, our guest will fill us in on what to do (and not do) to make your hiring process successful. Today’s guest is Vicky Brown. After two decades of leadership roles in the corporate world, Vicky founded her own HR consultancy, Idomeneo Enterprises, in 2001. Her Leaders Journey Experience is an education program specifically designed to equip entrepreneurs and business professionals with the tools, guidance, and confidence to navigate the sometimes complex world of HR. Vicky shares invaluable insights on the ins and outs of a hiring process. She shares tips and tricks on writing effective job descriptions, evaluating a resume, what questions to ask during the interview to uncover deeper insights into a candidate, the recommended interview format and processes, and more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:05) Why hiring feels increasingly difficult(04:40) How to write effective job descriptions(09:13) Interviewing techniques to uncover deeper insights into candidates(22:29) Recommended number of interviews and interview format(25:57) How to read and evaluate resumes(28:18) A great manager Vicky has worked for(31:16) Is there anything a candidate should or shouldn’t ask in an interview?(33:36) Keep up with Vicky(34:25) [Extended Episode Only] What should you do when you’re undecided about a candidate?(39:08) [Extended Episode Only] The truth about reference checks Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here - use code CELEBRATE300 for 30% off when you join before May 1, 2024 To get guest bonuses and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you feel overwhelmed with your role as a manager? What exactly is your job?  Managers are key to organizational success. They act as a vital link between leaders' strategic vision and individual contributors' execution. This means we need to guarantee clarity during handoffs and cultivate a culture of accountability within our teams. Feel like a tall order? It doesn't need to be. Today’s guest is Matt Ley. Matt is the author of Manage Your Gaps: Reclaiming The Awesomeness of Management. His work focuses on helping organizations and individuals get management right. Matt discusses the unique roles and responsibilities that managers play using his EP!C Framework. He also shares some practical tips on how to be a great manager, overcome the most challenging responsibility of a manager, strategically leverage individual contributors on a team, and much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:38) What does it mean to be a manager?(04:00) The EP!C framework for management success (12:32) The most challenging responsibility of a manager(17:09) What happens when there’s a lack of clarity around processes and expectations during handoff(23:32) The importance of an optimized handoff process(27:43) Tips for managers on how to be great with their roles(30:00) A great manager Matt has worked for(31:35) Keep up with Matt(32:29) [Extended Episode Only] How managers can help their team members evolve(39:23) [Extended Episode Only] Advice on how to better leverage your team’s rising stars and rock stars Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here - use code CELEBRATE300 for 30% off when you join before May 1, 2024 Keep up with Matt Ley - Follow Matt on LinkedIn here - Visit his website for more information here 50-Page Workbook for EP!C Management Program Matt is providing the workbook that accompanies his 12-week EP!C Management Training Program. At 50 pages, the goal of this workbook is to help you understand how to set up your environment, measure performance to drive success, understand your identity, and get clear on the role of communication. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you ever wish there was a straightforward way to figure out how to be and do your best as a manager? Fortunately, there is.  Introducing the Modern Manager Framework. Whether you're trying to improve your time management, navigate conflict, or lead better team meetings, the Modern Manager Framework can help you achieve your goals. In this week's episode, we'll explore this framework in depth and discuss how it can help you be intentional in your managerial approach. We'll break down the essential components of the Modern Manager Framework, guide you on activating the right mindset, habits, and behaviors to leverage this framework effectively, its practical applications in real-life work scenarios, and much more.  Join me for this insightful discussion now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:25) 3 basic components of the Modern Manager Framework(02:57) How your mindset can help or hinder you(03:57) Questions to reflect on to activate your ideal mindset(04:46) Forming the right behaviors and habits as a manager(05:42) The three circles of the Modern Manager Framework (09:20) How I use the Modern Manager Framework(15:12) [Extended Episode Only] 3 simple approaches to changing your behaviors(16:59) [Extended Episode Only] The framework in action - How to show appreciation Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here 30% Off The Modern Manager Skills Accelerator The Skills Accelerator is my signature program for managers to help you build your skills in a supportive community. Each month, we focus on one skill or responsibility, and this month is accountability. If you want to master this skill and other modern manager skills, join our Skills Accelerator program and use the code CELEBRATE300 to get 30% off when you join before May 1st. Join the Skills Accelerator Program here. The Modern Manager Framework Workbook Apply the Modern Manager Framework to help develop your managerial skills. This workbook provides an overview of the framework, questions for reflection, and examples of frameworks for various skills/areas of focus.  To get this workbook and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community or join the Skills Accelerator. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What exactly is strategic thinking? Many of us often confuse strategic thinking with strategic planning and implementation. We know strategy is crucial in the business world and that strategic thinking skills are valued by senior executives. This week’s podcast guest says anyone can be a strategic thinker and explains how! Today’s guest is Dr. Julia Sloan. Julia is the author of the definitive book, Learning to Think Strategically, and is recognized for her pioneering work on the application of complex cognitive theory to everyday strategic thinking practice. A Fulbright fellow, she teaches strategic thinking at her alma mater, Columbia Univand, and has worked globally with corporate & public policy leaders, start-ups, refugees, & military leaders. Julia and I talk about everything strategic thinking–what it is, how it differs from strategic planning and implementation, how we can develop strategic thinking skill sets, the foundation of strategic thinking, and so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:22) Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning vs. Strategic Implementation(07:23) How managers can use strategic thinking with their team members(10:20) Does strategic thinking always precede strategic planning?(13:06) Example of putting strategic thinking into action and in place(16:53) How we can develop our strategic thinking skill sets(22:28) The value of slowing down and pressing the pause button(25:35) The four Cs of strategic thinking and how it helps keep your team on track(30:55) A great manager Julia has worked for(31:50) Keep up with Julia(33:34) [Extended Episode Only] How to still think strategically amidst constant changes Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here Keep up with Dr. Julia Sloan - Follow Julia on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of Julia’s book Learn to Think Strategically here - Visit Learn Strategic Thinking for more details here FREE PDF Download: 40 Leadership Tips to Strengthen Strategic Thinking Dr. Julia-Sloan is happy to offer a four-page PDF outlining 40 leadership tips you can implement to strengthen your strategic thinking. The tips are organized into three categories—before, during, and after a strategy session—and lined up chronologically to help you build your strategic thinking muscles.  To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Most people think that change at work is great. It has become the defining characteristic of successful organizations, teams, and individuals. But psychologically, change is HARD on humans–it’s a common source of stress for many of us.  When there’s change or uncertainty at work, it creates a degree of fear and anxiety. However, work rituals can help team members feel that sense of continuity amidst changes. So, how can leaders (and team members) effectively leverage rituals to foster stability? Today’s guest is Ashley Goodall. Ashley is a leadership expert who has spent his career exploring large organizations from the inside, most recently as an executive at Cisco. He is the co-author of Nine Lies About Work, which was selected as the best management book of 2019 by Strategy + Business and as one of Amazon’s best business and leadership books of 2019. Prior to Cisco, he spent fourteen years at Deloitte as a consultant and as the Chief Learning Officer for Leadership and Professional development. His book, The Problem with Change, publishes in May. During our conversation, Ashley and I discussed the challenges of constant change and its impact on us and our team members. He also shared how managers and team members can use rituals to create a sense of certainty, predictability, and stability amidst changes, how to support team members during these changes, the important role of language, and more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:32) Why are there constant changes in today’s workplace?(04:48) Is change always a good thing?(10:36) Challenges that come with being in a constant state of change(16:06) The role of a team in creating stability and a sense of continuity amidst changes(18:08) How to support your team members when going through changes(20:32) The power of rituals and “ritualization”(28:04) A great manager Ashley has worked for(31:57) Keep up with Ashley(33:07) [Extended Episode Only] Surprising insight on how leaders can foster stability, consistency, and predictability (39:52) [Extended Episode Only] The role of language in creating certainty in times of change Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here Keep up with Ashley Goodall - Grab a copy of Ashley’s book The Problem with Change here - Visit Ashley’s website for more information here 10% Discount on The Problem With Change Drawing on two decades spent leading HR organizations at Deloitte and Cisco, in this book, Ashley Goodall reveals the truth about human performance and offers a radical new alternative to the constant turbulence that defines corporate life. Members can get 10% off a pre-order of The Problem With Change - valid through May 6. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

When was the last time you effortlessly swayed someone's opinion? For leaders, it's likely that not everyone who works with you will embrace the ideas and decisions you make—and that's okay. But convincing people to rally behind your vision, sway their perspectives, and generate buy-in is part of the job. Conventional strategies have lost their effectiveness (if ever they were effective!), but today's guest has unlocked the secrets to mastering the art (and science) of changing people's minds to help you move work forward. Today’s guest is Michael McQueen. Michael is a multi-award winning speaker, change strategist and bestselling author of ten books. With clients including Google, Toyota, and Mastercard, he has helped some of the world’s most successful brands navigate uncertainty and stay one step ahead of change. Michael and I talk about how to change people’s minds. We get into the details on why it’s harder to influence people now than ever, ways to prime people to hear your ideas without triggering their defense mechanisms, tips for getting buy-in even from the most stubborn colleagues, and so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:15) Why is it so hard to influence people?(05:33) Why giving more information doesn’t persuade people(10:01) The secret to using storytelling effectively to influence people(14:42) Tips and tricks for persuading people in the workplace(18:33) Why go for a walk when trying to gain someone’s trust(20:43) Simple things you can do to prime people to be more open(25:05) Why constructive arguments are essential in the workplace(28:09) Generating buy-in from your team member through motivational interviewing (31:02) A great manager Michael has worked for(32:33) Keep up with Michael(33:59) [Extended Episode Only] The importance of our two minds(37:30) [Extended Episode Only] Phrases to avoid and use when trying to get a message or an idea through to someone(39:48) [Extended Episode Only] Easy techniques to help people see things differentlyAdditional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here - Listen to episode 42: Deep Listening with Oscar Trimboli here Keep up with Michael McQueen - Follow Michael on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook  - Visit Michael’s official website for other resources here FREE Exclusive Mini Masterclass Video Series In this mini masterclass video series, bestselling author Michael McQueen will share practical insights for mastering the art of changing stubborn minds from his latest book, Mindstuck. The series includes 5 videos on topics including “What we’ve got wrong about being right” and “It takes 2 questions to change a mind”. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Being a successful manager in today’s modern workplace is not a straightforward task. It requires delivering results and thinking strategically, all the while supporting team members’ growth and development.  Given these demands, it’s unsurprising that professional development may not be your top priority. Today’s guest thinks otherwise–you can make professional development a habit! Today’s guest is Skot Waldron. Skot is a communication strategist, coach, podcast host, and author of the best-selling "Unlocked: A 52-Week Guide For The Intentional Leader", renowned for transforming complex communication challenges into growth opportunities. His practical strategies foster effective leadership, influence, and alignment in top-tier organizations like J.P. Morgan Chase, the CDC, and The Coca-Cola Company. In this interview, Skot and I discuss how you can integrate self-development into your daily life in manageable ways. He also shares some practical examples of going from inspiration to transformation and how you can bring that same approach to your team members. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:44) The secret ingredient that turns information and inspiration into transformation(06:59) Structuring self-improvement for leaders(13:27) The role of responsibility vs. blame in leadership(19:39) What is the 1N=5P ratio?(23:14) How to apply the 1N=5P ratio at work(29:29) A great manager Skot has worked for(30:31) Keep up with Skot(32:07) [Extended Episode Only] How to apply Skot’s self-development approach to your team members(36:01) [Extended Episode Only] Tips on navigating team resistance to self-development Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here Keep up with Skot Waldron - Subscribe to Skot’s YouTube channel here - Listen to his podcast here - Connect with him on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of his book here -Visit Skot’s website for more here Free Sample (34 Pages) of Skot’s Book, “Unlocked” Download a PDF sample of Skot’s book, “Unlocked: A 52-Week Guide for the Intentional Leader”. In this book, Skot offers a unique system of personal transformation through small, intentional actions. His structured path to personal growth travels through 52 short chapters - each representing a week's journey - focusing on inspiration, reflection, and purposeful action. Free Group Coaching You and your team can meet with Skot every other week to receive coaching and learn from each other. Skot will use the Altitude Training program to teach the art of leadership. Free ‘5 Voices’ Communication Assessment Learn your communication style and understand your strengths and weaknesses with this 15-minute assessment. Free ‘5 Voices’ Team Bootcamp You and your team can join a 90-minute virtual session with Skot, where you will: Understand the communication dynamics of your team.Understand how to gain more influence with those around you.Relate to what it looks like when you’re accidental in your leadership.Walk away with an actionable leadership insight to apply. To get these guest bonuses and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

A high performance culture is what often separates great teams from the rest. Culture is vital to your organization's success, but do managers really have that much influence on culture? This week’s guest says we do! Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry is a pioneering force in culture development and building high-performing teams. His journey began with a personal struggle with ADHD, which ultimately led him on a profound quest for understanding how emotions drive behavior. This exploration culminated in the development of the "Last 8%" system, a transformative approach that has empowered Olympic athletes, Navy SEALs, CEOs, and Fortune 500 employees. In this episode, JP and I talk about building a high performance culture using the 8% principle. He sheds light on the often-overlooked gap that holds teams back from peak performance. We explore what the last 8% is, what managers can do to tackle that 8%, how to foster a high performance culture, highlighting the value of accountability with empathy, plus so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:26) What is the 8% principle?(05:07) Important skills to push yourself into the discomfort zone(10:27) How to foster a high-performance culture using the 8% principle(15:07) A real-life example of leveraging culture effectively(20:39) Common norms for teams functioning in the 8% quadrant(25:19) What managers can do to start fostering a high-performance culture(29:39) A great manager JP has worked for(31:57) Keep up with JP(33:23) [Extended Episode Only] How to hold yourself and your team accountable(41:07) [Extended Episode Only] The most important equation in human behavior Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here Keep up with Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry - Follow Dr. JP on LinkedIn here - Visit the Last Eight Percent website here - Subscribe to the Last 8% Morning podcast here 15% off Live Online Science of Emotional Intelligence Program Members get 15% off the live, online Science of Emotional Intelligence program by Last Eight Percent. This program teaches you the most important skill to have in your toolkit – Emotional Intelligence. Their blended approach to learning combines pre-work, program materials, and homework assignments in their Learning Management System (LMS) with three 2-hour live online video meetings for an enriching and truly collaborative group experience. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Life is a series of choices. We make decisions every single day that affect how we live our lives–whether you’re picking what to have for lunch or steering a company strategy. For managers, effective decision-making skills at work are essential. So, how do you ensure you make the right decisions and stay on top of your game? In this week’s episode, we’ll explore the five (5) critical decision-making skills that can help you and your team members make effective decisions.  From mastering timelines to harnessing the power of collaborative thinking, this episode is your guide to navigating the complex world of workplace decisions. Join me for an insightful discussion! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:18) The importance of timelines(02:41) 2 questions to ask when making a decision(03:39) The role of emotions in decision-making(06:28) How to draw logical conclusions through information discernment(08:47) Why big-picture thinking is critical(10:08) The value of collaborative thinking(10:58) How to be a good collaborative partner(12:48) [Extended Episode Only] The 6th essential skill for effective decision-making(13:29) [Extended Episode Only] Examples of an effective decision-making process Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here FREE One-Page Overview of the Decision-Making Skills  Members of Podcast Plus get a copy of my one-page overview of the decision-making skills that I talked about today to help improve your decision-making skills or support a team member in developing theirs.  To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Your team members' motivation levels can greatly impact their productivity, engagement, morale, and, of course, the quality of their work. But motivating people is HARD.  Surprisingly, bigger paychecks are less effective than we think they are in motivating people to do good work and stick around. So, if money is not an adequate motivation tool, then what is? How do you motivate your people?  Today's guest is JC Bernstein. JC is a management coach and founder of The Management Mentor. She is also the author of "Ignite Your Team: Using the SPARK Method to Lead, Inspire, and Build a Team that Cares." JC and I discuss strategies for motivating employees, especially hourly and part-time workers. She unpacks how her 5-step SPARK approach can help you quickly understand your team members' unique motivations so you can build trust and make deeper connections. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:58) What is the SPARK method?(06:08) The role of paycheck and how it motivates (or not) people to stick around(07:04) How to motivate people using the SPARK method(12:20) A SPARK method success story(18:35) Practical steps for each of the 5 components of the SPARK method (23:41) 4 types of questions to ask to uncover employee motivation(32:17) A great manager JC has worked for(33:10) Keep up with JC(34:07) [Extended Episode Only] How to navigate through changes in the workplace and ensure people stay motivated(36:42) [Extended Episode Only] Real-life story on how to navigate these changes Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here- Join the Skills Accelerator Program here Keep up with JC Bernstein - Follow JC on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook - Subscribe to her YouTube channel The Management Mentor - Check out her online resources for more information here - Visit her official website here Exclusive Tutorial on the SPARK Method If you have struggled to motivate the employees of today (the ones who seem like they just don’t want to work, no matter how hard you try), it’s because you are using outdated techniques in a modern world. To learn the method that works NOW, members get exclusive access to the step-by-step tutorial on the SPARK Method. You’ll get unlimited, lifetime access to JC’s video tutorial. To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What comes to mind when you think about culture? Most of us believe that culture is related to national origin and ethnicity, but culture is so much more than that.  We may live in the same country, and yet it’s not uncommon to have different cultural preferences that influence how we show up at work and in life. And when we aren’t aware of these cultural differences, it can lead to awkward or frustrating situations and occasionally disastrous moments. For managers, developing cultural intelligence is vital in understanding ourselves and our teams and fostering better connections at work. So, how do managers develop cultural intelligence? Today’s guest is Loren Rosario-Maldonado. Loren has dedicated over 25 years to leadership coaching, change management, and cultural intelligence. Her unique ability to create human-centered workplace experiences and build high-performing teams has transformed organizations and solidified her reputation as an industry trailblazer. Her latest book, Becoming the Change: The Power of Cultural Intelligence, is a testament to her commitment to fostering cultural diversity and personal growth. Loren and I talk about cultural intelligence–what it is, how it differs from emotional intelligence, and how it shows up at work. She also explains the importance of cultural intelligence and how it impacts us in the workplace. Lastly, she shares plenty of tips and insightful stories to help you improve your cultural intelligence and so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:55) What is cultural intelligence?(04:36) Common misconceptions about culture(08:23) Understanding time, relationship-building, and emotional expression from different cultural perspectives(20:52) The essence of cultural intelligence(25:25) How to initiate a conversation about cultural differences in the workplace, particularly when power dynamics are involved(30:00) A great manager Loren has worked for(30:57) Keep up with Loren(32:19) [Extended Episode Only] How to navigate workplace conflict using cultural intelligence(38:12) [Extended Episode Only] Is it enough for teams to set norms to overcome cultural differences when addressing conflict? Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Loren Rosario-Maldonado - Follow her on LinkedIn here - Learn more about cultural intelligence here - Get a copy of Loren’s book Becoming The Change here Win a Copy of Becoming The Change Two Members can win a copy of “Becoming the Change: The Power of Cultural Intelligence” by Loren Rosario-Maldonado. A compelling guide that unlocks the secrets to thriving in our increasingly globalized society, this book is a treasure trove of insights for anyone eager to navigate diverse cultural landscapes with ease and empathy. To enter the drawing for this guest bonus and to get many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you taken a personality test for a new job or during a team-building exercise? A lot of folks enjoy the insights that come from assessments like these. They help us know ourselves and our colleagues by better understanding our preferences, strengths, and weaknesses. Enter the Enneagram tool.  Today's guest is Tracy O'Malley. Tracy is an Enneagram expert success coach. Her candid journey of self-discovery via the Enneagram sparked an enlightening shift in her perspective, which has been a lifeline to many. She uses this transformative tool uniquely, focusing on understanding motives and fears to help individuals feel seen, heard, and valued, consequently leading to personal and professional transformation.  Tracy and I talk about the Enneagram as a tool to better understand ourselves and our team members. She shares a comprehensive overview of the nine personality types, how we can use this information to help ourselves and team members grow into our best selves, how managers can leverage these Enneagram insights to enhance connections with team members, plus so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:19) What is the Enneagram?(05:56) The nine Enneagram personality types(15:51) Understanding the Enneagram tool to help you connect better with your team members(21:34) A success story on leveraging Enneagram lessons for managing a team(25:10) How we can show up as the best version of ourselves(29:00) A great manager Tracy has worked for(30:20) Keep up with Tracy(31:58) [Extended Episode Only] How to use the Enneagram to help build cohesion or collaboration amongst a team(33:58) [Extended Episode Only] Using Enneagram for workplace conflict resolution(38:49) [Extended Episode Only] Working with complementary Enneagram types within a team Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Tracy O’Malley - Follow Tracy on Instagram here - Subscribe to her podcast show here - Check out her website for more information here FREE 2024 Monthly Planner Download a 2024 monthly planner to help you stay organized this year! Each month has a section to write notes, goals, main highlights of the month, lessons learned, things you’re grateful for, and areas of growth. Get this guest bonus and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

With busy days and the fast pace of work, it's understandable why so many teams jump from idea to basic plan (maybe!) to action. In our desire to move quickly, we forget that when we do so, we risk making bad decisions, resulting in wasted resources and, ultimately, not achieving what we set out to do. This is where upstream work plays a crucial role in getting alignment and clarity, readying us for successful execution. Today's guest is Atif Rafiq. Atif has blazed trails in Silicon Valley and the Fortune 500 for over 25 years. After rising through digital native companies like Amazon and Yahoo!, Atif held C-suite roles at McDonald's, Volvo, and MGM Resorts. He rose to the President level in the Fortune 500 and has led thousands of employees as a global P&L, transformation, and innovation leader. Atif and I talk about his approach for upstream work, which he calls decision sprints, that help teams and organizations prepare for effective execution. He explains the difference between upstream and downstream activities, the three phases of upstream work, the importance of psychological safety in organizations, and more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:04) What is a decision sprint?(03:50) Significance of psychological safety in upstream work(07:58) The role of questions in innovation, strategy, and growth(10:08) Examples of how and when to ask  questions(13:46) Why alignment matters for execution(16:30) What do meetings look like when you are trying to come to an alignment?(20:55) Decision meetings as work accelerators (23:19) How to make better decisions at a team level(26:37) A great manager Atif has worked for(28:34) Keep up with Atif(30:24) [Extended Episode Only] How to integrate decision sprint workflows into your team or organization(35:18) [Extended Episode Only] Ways to determine what questions don't need answering(36:53) [Extended Episode Only] Big lessons from McDonald’sAdditional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Atif Rafiq: - Follow Atif on LinkedIn here - Subscribe to his newsletter here - Visit Decision Sprint for more information here 50% Discount on Decision Sprint Workshops Members get a 50% discount on Decision Sprint workshops. These are 1-2 day workshops, virtual or in person, where your team or organization will get to experience the decision sprint workflows directly, enabling you to accomplish work together during the training as well as prepare to integrate the method going forward. Get these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Your business is only as strong as your employees. So, if you want to build a strong and thriving business, you need to hire top-notch people. But hiring them is only a part of the equation. You must bring them together and transform them from high-performing individuals to high-performing teams. This is where successful team building comes in. Team building comes in all shapes and sizes, and whether you love spending time building relationships with and amongst your team or find it a bit silly or inefficient, doing team building right can significantly impact your team's productivity and morale. How can you maximize the power of team building? Today’s guest is Michael Alexis. Michael is the CEO of teambuilding.com, an industry leader in virtual, hybrid, and in-person team-building experiences. He has been leading remote workforces for almost a decade. Michael and I talk about all things team building–its various forms and why it's important. We also explore how you can incorporate it into your regular workday, how to do amazing events virtually and in person, and so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:39) Is team building really fun and engaging?(03:09) How important is team building(05:20) The different types of team building(08:32) Incorporating team building into the regular workday(11:30) How to do team building virtually(15:49) Examples of fun and quirky  team building events(19:32) Factors to consider when planning a team building event(23:19) Is polling your team necessary when planning for such an event?(25:48) Should managers and senior leaders give their team time to bond without them?(28:13) A great manager Michael has worked for(29:33) Keep up with Michael(30:40) [Extended Episode Only] What do you do when something goes sideways during a team building activity?(34:57) [Extended Episode Only] Benefits of hiring an outside expert to plan your team building (39:08) [Extended Episode Only] What are the things not to do in a team building event?Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Michael Alexis - Follow Michael on LinkedIn here - Check out his website for more here Free Download: “How to Run a Great Virtual Icebreaker: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet” Download a PDF with tips for running great icebreakers, an extensive (but not exhaustive) list of icebreaker questions, and links to other resources, including blog articles and example icebreaker games. Get this guest bonus and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Workplace conflict is inevitable. When people with different opinions and risk tolerances collaborate on projects or tasks, it’s normal for conflict to arise.  As managers, we know all too well that conflict resolution in the workplace is vital for anyone hoping to nurture positive professional relationships and build a thriving, high-performing team.  Today’s guest is Carol Bowser. Carol is a workplace conflict expert. After practicing Employment Law for several years, she founded Conflict Management Strategies when she realized a lawsuit couldn’t deliver the level of resolution and satisfaction that is gained when people are actively involved in creating solutions to their workplace conflict. With over two decades of professional experience, she has identified common patterns in workplace conflict and is passionate about imparting wisdom on how people can strengthen their conflict resolution muscles. In this episode, Carol and I delve into the intricacies of conflict, exploring its root causes, strategies to reframe our thinking around conflict, how to deal with workplace conflict effectively, plus more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:55) Is it possible for people to have a good reaction to conflict?(04:35) How healthy is healthy workplace conflict(07:14) How managers should approach conflict resolution when they’re a part of it(15:15) Common things managers say that worsen a conflict (20:45) How to deal with workplace conflict when parties involved have different risk tolerances (26:58) A great manager Carol has worked for(29:20) Keep up with Carol(30:51) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when people become emotional during a conflict Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Carol Bowser - Follow her on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook - Check out her website for more here Guest Bonus: Free Grounding Exercise Worksheet Download this FREE Grounding Exercise worksheet from Conflict Management Strategies. It walks you through specific steps you can take before a meeting (or whenever you need to feel more grounded!). Get this guest bonus and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you ever set goals but then struggled to achieve them? Do you ever wonder why it’s so hard to stay on track? In the spirit of the new year, which many consider a fresh start, we’ll unpack the key elements in setting thoughtful and strategic goals and how to actually achieve them. Now, let’s all be clear: there’s no single approach to effective goal setting. In fact, there are dozens of them, and I’ve tried several of them over the years. However, I found that there are three consistent components to crafting a highly achievable goal. And that’s what we’ll explore in this week’s special solo episode, plus a bonus worksheet when you become a Podcast+ or Skills Accelerator member. Whether you’re setting personal or professional goals, today’s podcast episode will give you a strong head start in making your vision a reality.  Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:42) The truth about goal setting(03:05) The first thing you need to do when setting goals(04:08) Why you must have clarity on what success looks like(07:15) How to get clear with your goals(07:51) Brainstorm what could go wrong(10:10) [Extended Episode Only] How to get better at following through with your goals(11:50) [Extended Episode Only] Make time for your wildly important goals (WIGS)(12:26) [Extended Episode Only] How accountability keeps your goals alive Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Get guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. ---------------------  The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Why do you show up to work? Why do you do things you’re expected to do at work? The biggest factor of organizational success is determined by how embedded the company’s deep purpose is in its employees.  Today’s guest is Ranjay Gulati. He is the author of the book Deep Purpose: The Heart and Soul of High-Performance Companies, an educator and researcher who is passionate about how to unlock organizational and individual potential. Ranjay and I talk about purpose: what organizational purpose is, how powerful it is, how to connect individual purpose to the organization, and the impact it has when employees consider work not a chore but a calling. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. SPECIAL OFFER: Join the Skills Accelerator before 11:59 pm Eastern 12/31/31 and get your first month for $50 and lock in the 2023 pricing! Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:18) What is a company purpose, and why do organizations need to have one?(02:34) The power of the why question(04:28) How purpose needs to be translated into the organization(07:16) The redemption of Etsy(10:05) What managers can do at all levels to start creating purpose in their own teams(14:51) How managers can help their team members discover what they do matters(17:38 How to start a conversation with your team on deep purpose(20:55) The importance of an organization having a clear, deep purpose(22:49) A great manager Ranjay has worked with(24:15) Keep up with Ranjay(25:51) [Extended Episode Only] What does a good mission statement look like?(26:28) [Extended Episode Only] Example of a well-crafted team mission statement(27:08) [Extended Episode Only] How to craft a compelling team mission or purpose statement Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Ranjay - Follow Ranjay on LinkedIn here - Get a copy of Deep Purpose here Get guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Many professionals start their careers in the hope of eventually landing their dream job--that perfect position that checks off all the boxes on their list. But what really is a dream job? A big paycheck with a fancy title? A corner office with a million-dollar view? A good work-life balance? Well, what if I told you that it's time to let go of that dream job delusion and instead strive for something even better. Today’s guest is Lauren McGoodwin. Lauren is the CEO of Career Contessa—an online career resource with content, career coaching, jobs, a salary database, and online training. She is also a speaker, author of Power Moves, and host of The Career Contessa Podcast. In this episode, Lauren and I talk about the myth of the dream job and what you should actually be seeking, which is the "good enough" job. We get into the factors of creating a happy working environment, the role of managers in creating such, what managers can do to support struggling team members, and so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:38) Debunking the myth of the dream job(03:54) Is finding your dream job still worth it?(06:29) Why a good enough job is better than a dream job(11:43) The role of managers in creating a good enough job environment(14:29) An example of letting go of a dream job for a good enough job(18:45) How to create an environment that helps people become impact players(22:33) What managers can do to support struggling team members(26:55) The truth about the 2-year work tenure rule(29:28) A great manager Lauren has worked with(30:11) Keep up with Lauren(31:29) [Extended Episode Only] The significance of doing one-on-ones with team members(34:53) [Extended Episode Only] The rule of thumb when doing one-on-ones(40:18) [Extended Episode Only] Final tips for creating a good enough work environment Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Lauren McGoodwin - Follow Lauren on LinkedIn here - Check her out on Instagram here - Listen to the Career Contessa podcast here - Visit Career Contessa for more information here Giveaway: 3 Copies of Power Moves Power Moves teaches women how to pivot, reboot, and build a career of purpose. Learn how to use the Power Moves approach to ditch the dream career myth, become your own career coach, and reclaim your life from work.  Get this guest bonus and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Is there such a thing as a bad question? Asking questions is essential at work, and knowing how to ask better questions can help improve conversations with your team members. While it may sound like an easy concept, asking better questions is a craft that takes time and effort to master.  Today’s guest is Deb Calvert. Deb is the author of DISCOVER Questions® for Connections, Clarity & Control, and two previous bestsellers. As the founder of People First Leadership Academy and president of People First Productivity Solutions, Deb’s work focuses on leadership development and team effectiveness. She’s a Certified Master of The Leadership Challenge® and a certified executive coach. Deb was named one of the "65 Most Influential Women in Business" and was formerly an HR Director with a Fortune 500 company. In addition, Deb’s research and methodologies have been published globally in academic journals. In this episode, Deb and I talk about the art of asking better questions. She shares the eight types of questions we should be asking, what happens when we ask sub-optimal questions, and provides alternatives to some common questions managers ask that really aren’t helpful.  Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:57) The problem with asking poorly-crafted questions(03:24) What a sub-optimal question looks like(06:29) 8 types of questions that managers should be asking(18:10) A better alternative to a why question(21:19) Alternatives to some common questions managers ask that aren’t helpful(27:57) A great manager Deb has worked with(29:21) Keep up with Deb(31:03) [Extended Episode Only] Benefits of asking good questions and why you should put more thought into it(34:55) [Extended Episode Only] How managers can help team members ask better questions(36:48) [Extended Episode Only] How to encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and ask questions(40:00) [Extended Episode Only] The best model for presenting information and asking questions to accommodate different personality types Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Deb Calvert: - Follow Deb on LinkedIn here - Check out her company’s website here - Learn more about her training programs and courses here - Grab a copy of Deb’s book here Guest Bonus: Discounted 3-Part Masterclass and Signed Book Members can get an autographed copy of DISCOVER Questions® for Connections, Clarity & Control and access to a 3-part masterclass series to amp up your conversational skills for a total of $35. This is a savings of almost $100 compared to their individual list prices! Get all of these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Transitioning from a team member to a manager is undoubtedly a significant leap. It's crucial to recognize the shifts that come with leadership roles and be prepared for them. The first and most apparent shift is recognizing that it's no longer just about you. The spotlight now turns to your team, and your success is intricately woven with theirs.  It's a transition that requires a daily commitment to putting your team's needs ahead of your own. Today’s guest is Ramona Shaw. Ramona Shaw is a Certified Professional Leadership Coach, podcast host, and best-selling author of “The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role.” She is passionate about helping new and mid-level managers become leaders people love to work for by strengthening their leadership and communication skills, raising their confidence and resilience, and increasing their focus and emotional intelligence. Ramona specializes in delivering coaching and training programs for leaders at fast-growing startups and companies such as Twitch, UBS, Google, Dropbox, Lionsgate, Asana, Stitch Fix, Sequoia Capital, and dozens of others. Ramona and I talked about the mental shifts you have to make when moving from an individual contributor role to a manager role.  Whether you've been managing people for years, or just started your first team leadership position yesterday, these mental shifts are ones that we could all use a refresher on. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:06) 4 main shifts for individual contributors transitioning to management roles(09:19) The productivity mindset for managers(13:12) How to approach delegation(21:21) Using a coaching approach in leadership and team management(28:39) A great manager Ramona has worked with(29:48) Keep up with Ramona(30:50) [Extended Episode Only] Delegation, accountability, and tracking deadlines(35:16) [Extended Episode Only] The APS method for leaders(35:31) [Extended Episode Only] How to create your principles as a manager   Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here  - Read the related blog article here  - Follow me on Instagram here   - Visit my website for more here  Keep up with Ramona Shaw:  The Manager Track Podcast Follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook Youtube: Ramona Shaw Leadership Coaching - YouTube Giveaway: PDF: Your First 30 Days as a New Manager Your first 30 days offer a great opportunity to make a positive impression and begin building credibility with your new team members. This resource includes 4 practical tools to have a successful start with your team and your stakeholders alike.  Get all of these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.   ---------------------  The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.  Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!  

Most of us think that sleeping equals resting. And yet, there are instances when getting more sleep doesn’t rejuvenate us at all. In these cases, sleep is actually the wrong type of rest and won't make up for what you actually need. So, knowing where you’re depleted and then refilling your batteries with the appropriate rejuvenation activities, not just more sleep, will ensure you’ve always got the energy to do your best.  Today’s guest is Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. Dr. Saundra is a Board-Certified internal medicine physician and work-life integration researcher. She is the founder of Restorasis, a professional development agency dedicated to restoring well-being in the workplace through its proprietary framework to help companies support their employees with work-life integration and burnout prevention strategies.  Dr. Saundra and I talk about the seven types of depletion and rest, what we can do to assess what type of rest we need, how to talk to our team members about helping them rejuvenate so they can be at their best, and so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:57) What is rest? (Hint: it’s more than just sleep)(03:59) The seven types of rest and how to incorporate more restorative practices(13:17) The benefit of knowing the type of rest you need (16:43) How to assess what type of rest you need(20:15) The truth about rest deficit(22:16) Key factors that affect rest deficit(23:51) How managers can help their team members rejuvenate(28:31) A great manager Dr. Saundra has worked for(29:23) Keep up with Dr. Saundra(30:36) [Extended Episode Only] Practical ways managers can incorporate each of the seven types of rest in the workplace(37:29) [Extended Episode Only] How to start your day with the most energyAdditional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith: - Follow Dr. Saundra on LinkedIn here - Visit her website for more information here - Take the rest assessment here Giveaway: 1 Copy of Sacred Rest One member will receive a copy of Dr. Saundra’s best-selling book, “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity.” The winner will be able to choose either an ebook, audiobook, or paperback copy. But you must enter the drawing by December 4th. Get all of these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Whether we acknowledge it or not, power is at play in the workplace. The key is to understand your own power and the power dynamics so you and your team can accomplish great things together. But how do you start a conversation on such a sensitive and often awkward topic?  Today’s guest is Catherine Bell. Catherine is a Professional Certified Coach, facilitator, and nonprofit consultant who has spent two decades working collaboratively with people to unleash their power as change-makers. She specializes in coaching for antiracist leadership, as well as career development, navigating challenging interpersonal and team dynamics, and nonprofit leadership and management.  Catherine and I talk about power in the workplace–what the sources of power are, where power dynamics show up and how we can navigate power differences, how we can own and expand our power while helping our team members own and grow theirs, and so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:08) What is power, specifically power in the workplace?(07:33) Various types of informal power(11:31) Does power depend on context?(17:36) How to help your team understand the power they hold (23:29) How to reduce the risks of power differential(27:14) A great manager Catherine has worked for(28:27) Keep up with Catherine(29:22) [Extended Episode Only] How to navigate the uncomfortable dynamics of unearned power(31:32) [Extended Episode Only] Catherine’s first-hand experience in acknowledging unearned power and how it played out(35:31) [Extended Episode Only] Navigating the power dynamics with unearned power Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Catherine: - Follow Catherine on LinkedIn here - Visit her website for more information here Free 2-Pager PDF: “Resources for Understanding Power in the Workplace” Download a free PDF that has resources and tips for learning about and navigating power in the workplace. It also includes links to helpful articles to help you learn even more. Get all of these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

In the fast-paced world of work, sometimes we forget to pause and take the time to be curious. But curiosity is an essential part of building relationships and solving problems. So, how can we tap into our natural curiosity?  Today’s guest is Scott Shigeoka. Scott is an internationally recognized curiosity expert, speaker, and author. He is known for translating research into strategies that promote positive well-being and connected relationships around the globe, including at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center and through his popular courses at the University of Texas at Austin. Scott implements his curiosity practices in the public sector, Fortune 500 companies, Hollywood, media organizations, education institutions, and small businesses. Today, Scott and I talk about all things curiosity–why curiosity is important, how to be curious through his DIVE model, the different types of curiosity, how to encourage your team to be more curious, and so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:04) What is shallow vs. deep curiosity?(05:50) What keeps us from being curious?(10:04) The three directions of deep curiosity(11:21) What does it look like to be curious at work?(14:17) The concept of quicksand and what it does(18:58) What are the components of the DIVE model?(21:08) How to bring curiosity into the workplace (27:21) Tips to encourage your colleagues to be more curious themselves(33:20) A great manager Scott has worked for(35:48) Keep up with Scott(37:28) [Extended Episode Only] How to navigate when someone asks you a question that pushes up against your boundaries(42:40) [Extended Episode Only] Quick phrases on how to introduce a boundary to someone(45:12) [Extended Episode Only] Tips in dealing with predatory curiosity or difficult questions Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Scott: - Follow Scott on Instagram here - Grab a copy of his book here FREE Divergent-Convergent Inquiry Cheat Sheet Get Mamie’s cheat sheet on divergent-convergent inquiry. Questions are a key component of exploring curiosity. This PDF will help you ask better questions based on your goals and situation. It also includes suggested resources to further your understanding of curiosity and question-asking. Get all of these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

95% of our choices every day are made by our autopilot. And your mindset is the remarkable force shaping your autopilot system. So, how do you make sure that your autopilot is actually serving you and your team–helping you run at your optimal potential? Our guest expert has a lot to say on this topic. Today’s guest is Susan Hobson. Susan is a High-Performance Leadership Coach, Founder/CEO of Elite High Performance Inc., host of “The Leadership Launchpad Project” podcast, author, and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Today, Susan and I talk about all things mindset–its importance and how it impacts everything you do as a manager. To dive deeper, Susan and I get into the different mindset beliefs and how they help or hinder us, how to engage your team in shifting mindsets, what leadership 2.0 is all about, plus so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:47) What is mindset architecture?(05:38) Example of mindsets that are running on autopilot(09:47) Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset(13:34) How can managers help their teams embrace a growth mindset(16:36) How to shift to a growth mindset when you think you’re already good at something(19:14) The Leadership 2.0(23:28) How to introduce mindset and all its concepts to your team(26:05) A great manager Susan has worked for(27:58) Keep up with Susan(29:35) [Extended Episode Only] The connection between emotional intelligence and mindset(35:02) [Extended Episode Only] How to get to know your emotions(36:42) [Extended Episode Only] Effective technique on how to shift your mindsetAdditional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Susan: - Follow Susan on LinkedIn here - Connect with Susan on Instagram here - Become an Elite High Performance 2.0 Leader here Free 30-minute Self-Awareness Awakening Session Susan is offering 5 members of Podcast+ a free 30-minute self-awareness awakening session with one of the Elite High Performance coaches to help them turn up the high beams on their self-awareness.  Get all of these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Performance management enables employees to learn and grow in service of being and doing their best. It traditionally happens through one-on-ones, weekly meetings, and annual performance reviews. However, for many managers and direct reports, performance management feels like a chore. Thankfully, today's guest has figured out how to easily and effectively do performance reviews. Today’s guest is Projjal Ghatak. Projjal is the Co-Founder and CEO of OnLoop, a mobile-first platform that helps managers and teams build better feedback loops in the global, hybrid teams of the future. Projjal and I talk about performance management through their Collaborative Team Development framework. We get into how to do it effectively, how to make it easier on both you as the manager and your direct report, how to reduce the bias that is often embedded in the process, and so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:44) The Collaborative Team Development framework explained (11:23) What data is needed for optimal performance feedback?(13:43) The role of AI in performance management/reviews(26:07) Alternative ways for managers to effectively do performance management(27:34) A great manager Projjal has worked for(29:37) Keep up with Projjal(30:41) [Extended Episode Only] How to connect the organization’s goals to individual goals(34:27) [Extended Episode Only] How to use the data you've gathered to have a thoughtful annual performance review conversation(37:03) [Extended Episode Only] The advantage of combining the power of AI with human observations Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Projjal: - Follow Projjal on LinkedIn here - Follow OnLoop on LinkedIn here - Check out OnLoop on Instagram here - Visit OnLoop’s official website here FREE First Quarter of “Collaborative Team Development” OnLoop is a habit-forming, generative AI-powered goals and feedback platform for high-functioning teams. It uses a proprietary Collaborative Team Development framework to help leaders drive clarity around the 5 hierarchical layers for high performance. Projjal is generously offering the first quarter free for their annual contract of our Collaborative Team Development (CTD) platform if they sign up in 2023 for kickoff in January 2024. For a team of 50, that would mean US$1,500 off!  1 Hour of Free Executive Coaching For any CEO Projjal is happy to offer 1 hour of free executive coaching for any CEO in the Modern Manager community. Get all of these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you tried journaling? Well, it’s time to be intentional about it and make it a habit. Journaling is more than just writing down your life experience. According to this week's podcast guest, journaling can actually help improve your leadership skills.  Today’s guest is Antonio Garrido. Antonio has over twenty-five years in senior leadership positions with world-class businesses. As an executive coach, author and speaker, he is an expert in leadership transformation: shaping high-performance leaders out of highly-stressed and overworked leaders. In this episode, Antonio and I talk about the power of journaling, when and how to do it correctly, how it helps you overcome leadership blind spots, and more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:47) The difference between leadership and management(05:49) How do you know if you’re leading or managing(09:51) How to develop self-awareness (21:51) Effective ways to make journaling a habit(25:58) Why journaling fosters growth(28:05) A great manager Antonio has worked for(30:06) Keep up with Antonio(32:02) [Extended Episode Only] The secret to aligning what you want as a manager with what your team wants(39:10) [Extended Episode Only] #1 step you must do before you start journaling Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Antonio: - Follow Antonio on LinkedIn here - Get the latest updates on My Daily Leadership on LinkedIn here - Visit My Daily Leadership for more information here FREE White Paper: Why You Definitely Do Have Leadership Blind Spots Free access to Antonio’s Leadership Blindspots white paper, which looks closely into the nature of leadership blind spots, explores their key impacts and offers robust strategies to identify and navigate around them.  . 15% Discount on Leadership Assessment Members get 15% off the Leadership Assessment from My Daily Leadership. This assessment will benchmark your own leadership ability with the proprietary My Daily Leadership Assessment powered by PeopleBest. You’ll: ✓ Gain Insight Into Your Leadership Effectiveness ✓ Uncover Your Key Strengths and Weaknesses ✓ Identify Critical Leadership Blind Spots Holding You Back Get all of these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

When we think of iconic leaders in our history, many people think of impactful figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, or Susan B. Anthony. But defining what leadership is and what leaders really do can be challenging. So today, my guest will walk us through her definition of leadership to help us all thrive at work.  Today’s guest is Teri Schmidt. Teri is the Director of Stronger to Serve Coaching & Teambuilding where she uses her 20+ years of experience in coaching, leadership, and performance improvement to seamlessly integrate teambuilding, leadership development, and community service. Her workshops and coaching cultivate empowered individuals, cohesive teams, and impactful contributions to society. Teri also hosts the Strong Leaders Serve podcast inspiring leaders to make their workplaces more compassionate and just through their leadership, without burning out. Teri and I talk about leadership in service of others, how to use your unique strengths and talents to avoid burnout, how to set your team up for success through servant leadership and creating shared values, and so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:57) What is leadership?(04:28) An example of a talent-first approach leadership(06:28) How leaders can avoid burnout(07:42) Ways to identify your unique strengths and talents(12:44) What does it mean to be courageous?(14:05) A quick story about using courage to unleash leadership talents(15:21) On making way for others so they can use their talents(17:23) The neglecting yourself trap(19:39) Why do we need shared values?(22:51) Tips on how to identify your team’s shared values(24:23) What is servant leadership?(26:02) A great manager that Teri has worked for(27:38) Keep up with Teri(29:08) [Extended Episode Only] Burnout traps that managers need to avoid(33:26) [Extended Episode Only] How to shift from being nice and wanting to be liked to being kind(36:31) [Extended Episode Only] The one question you should be asking when you’re feeling overwhelmed Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Teri: - Follow Teri on LinkedIn here - Subscribe to her Strong Leaders Serve podcast here - Check out her website for more information here Serve & Thrive Leadership Assessment (PLUS $100 discount code) This short self-assessment will give you insight into any of the three burnout traps that well-meaning, empathetic leaders are often at risk of falling into, together with resources for learning how to avoid those traps.  In addition, the download includes a code for a $100 discount on Stronger to Serve's services, exclusive to members of The Modern Manager community and valid until Nov. 17, 2023. Get this free leadership assessment downloadable, discount coupon, book giveaways, and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you ever made a comment in a meeting that was met with silence? A silence that felt like hours, and you had no option but to wait for that awkward moment to be over? We’ve all been there. But having awkward moments at work doesn't have to be a bad thing. In fact, this week's guest says we can use those good awkward moments to make us more human and, therefore, more beloved as managers. Today’s guest is Henna Pryor. She is a highly sought-after Workplace Performance Expert and an award-winning two-time TEDx and global keynote speaker, author, and coach. Her clients call her their “secret weapon for impossible change,” an honor she wears proudly. She’s known for her science-backed approach to improving the performance, habits, and actions of hungry high achievers – in her fun, no-nonsense, no-jargon way – to move them from their first level of success to their next one. Her highly acclaimed book, Good Awkward, launched on September 26th and was a recipient of the prestigious Kirkus Star for excellence in writing. In this episode, Henna and I talk about all things awkward: what it is, why we should embrace it, and what to do in an awkward situation if you're embarrassed or because of someone else. She also shares some tips on how to get comfortable with awkwardness, how awkwardness isn’t the same as ineptitude, and so much more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:27) What is awkwardness?(04:01) Where awkwardness shows up in workplaces(06:07) What is GOOD awkward?(08:39) The three ways we relate to awkwardness(10:27) How others perceive us when we have those awkward moments(12:43) An example of what happens when you let your guard down and get past that awkward moment(15:50) The difference between awkwardness and ineptitude(17:55) What do we do in awkward situations - if we’re the one who feels awkward or if we feel it for the other person?(21:21) A story on embracing good awkwardness(27:44) A great manager Henna has worked for(29:46) Keep up with Henna(31:37) [Extended Episode Only] What to do around awkward people(37:16) [Extended Episode Only] Tips on how to reduce awkwardness when meeting new people at an event Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Henna: - Follow Henna on LinkedIn here - Follow Henna on Instagram here - Check out her book here Giveaway: 3 Signed Copies of “Good Awkward” Awkwardness isn’t a weakness to fix – it’s your greatest asset for professional and personal growth. Members of The Modern Manager community have a chance to win 1 of 3 copies of Henna Pryor’s book, “Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become the Bravest You.” We’ll even throw in some bonus stickers!  Bulk Book Discount on “Good Awkward” Members of The Modern Manager community can get a bulk discount on orders of 25 or more of Henna Pryor’s book. The discount amount depends on the number of books you order. Get these amazing book giveaways, book discounts, and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Top athletes in any sport have at least one coach, sometimes multiple, because they want to perform at their best. Turns out, managers aren't so different from athletes! In order for us to be the best leaders we can be, we need others to help us see our blindspots, push us to think and act in different ways and cheer us on when we’re unsure. In short, a coach can help you unlock your full potential. But coaching isn't a magic wand. It all depends on how willing you are to be coachable.  Today's guests are Scott Osman and Jacquelyn Lane. Scott is the founder and CEO of the 100 Coaches Agency and codesigner of their proprietary curation process and the company's relationship-first philosophy. In his role as CEO, he establishes the vision for the company, leads partnerships and business development, and serves as a leading light of the 100 Coaches Community, which he co-founded with Marshall Goldsmith in 2016. He is also the co-founder of Methods by 100 Coaches, the online learning platform. Jacquelyn is the president of the 100 Coaches Agency and codesigner of their proprietary curation process and relationship-first philosophy. She has been with the agency since its founding and is a critical pillar of the 100 Coaches Community. Jacquelyn comes to the world of executive coaching through her previous roles in the energy industry and her lifelong commitment to improving the lives of all people by elevating the quality of leadership. Scott, Jacquelyn, and I talked about the most important thing any leader can do: be coachable. They share the four aspects of coachability, why being coachable is so powerful, and how to take steps to help yourself become more coachable, plus a whole lot more! Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:30) Defining what coaching is and what it’s not(04:29) What does it mean to be coachable, and what are its four components (09:56) A quick story(12:09) Why having a coach is beneficial(13:57) How to work with a coach to optimize the engagement(17:49) How does a 360 feedback process work(20:08) Things to consider when getting into a coaching relationship(21:11) How can mid-level or frontline managers ask for a coach from their bosses(23:35) A great manager that Jacquelyn has worked for (25:13) Keep up with Jacquelyn and Scott(26:58) [Extended Episode Only] How to encourage your team members to work with a coach(29:01) [Extended Episode Only] What is the relationship between you as the manager and your team member's coach?(30:22) [Extended Episode Only] Can you reach out to your team member’s coach for a progress report?(31:16) [Extended Episode Only] Ways to find a coach Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Scott and Jacquelyn: - Follow Scott on LinkedIn here - Follow Jacquelyn on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of their book here - Visit 100 Coaches Agency for more information here Free Kindle edition of Becoming Coachable Members of The Modern Manager community can receive a free Kindle edition of Becoming Coachable. Imbued with decades of experience at the highest echelons of the industry, Becoming Coachable guides readers through the ins and outs of a successful coaching experience.  Get a free Kindle edition copy of this book and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What is your career goal as a manager? Managers play an essential role across all types of companies, and there are many levels for managers within an organization. But knowing which management level is right for you and how to advance your career isn't always clear. Fortunately, our guest has all the answers to your career path questions. Today's guest is Sonja "Dynamo" Price. Sonja is a Top Career Strategist, Salary Advisor, and Leadership Coach. She has authored two books on career advancement, has a Master's Degree in Leadership and Organizational Development, and is a Certified Career and Executive Coach. She trained with Al Gore to become a Climate Reality Leader and is actively engaged with the Seattle Board of Conscious Capitalism. In this week's episode, Sonja and I talk about the things you should consider when thinking about what managerial level is right for you and how to make it happen. We also get into the details on what to do if your company doesn't give you the promotion you were hoping for, how to handle a conversation with a team member who wants to advance their career, and so much more! Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:15) How do you know if middle management or a senior leadership position is for you(07:44) What steps should you consider when advancing your career?(15:56) How managers can handle a conversation when an underperforming team member wants to be a manager(20:38) Do you need an advanced degree when moving up the ladder?(24:55) What to do if your company doesn’t give you the promotion you requested?(28:49) A great manager Sonja has worked for(30:52) Keep up with Sonja(32:09) [Extended Episode Only] How do you evaluate whether or not a promotion or project is right for you(37:19) [Extended Episode Only] How to approach your manager when you’re ready for a promotion Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Sonja: - Follow Sonja on Instagram here  - Find her on LinkedIn here - Check out her website for more information here Giveaway: 5 Book Copies of “The Pivot Point System” Sonja is offering 5 copies of her book, “The Pivot Point System: 5 Keys To Unlock Your Career, Health and Wealth”, to members of The Modern Manager community. This book offers hacks you can use to elevate your mindset, health, image, career, and wealth to build a better life, one step at a time. In your hands, you will hold a collection of 100 years of experience and dozens of proven processes that will allow you to make necessary changes. Get a chance to win a copy of this book and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

We don’t come into this world with particular biases. We pick them up from our experiences with the people and world around us over time. And these biases affect how we show up every day (and not in a good way!) So, today’s guest is here to share her wisdom on what managers can do to have a more inclusive workplace where everyone thrives. Today’s guest is Risha Grant. Risha is an award-winning diversity consultant and international corporate speaker. She is the author of Be Better Than Your BS: How Radical Acceptance Empowers Authenticity and Creates a Workplace Culture of Inclusion. In this week’s episode, Risha and I talk about what “BS” is and how to identify your own biases and work through them. We also talk about microaggressions and their opposite - micro-inclusions - and how to respond when someone has said or done something you’ve found offensive and when someone calls you out.  Ready to create a more inclusive workplace for your team? Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(02:07) What does BS stand for(04:08) How Risha became more aware of her own BS (11:21) The microaggression and micro-inclusion concepts explained(19:15) What managers can do differently in handling microaggressive behaviors(24:53) The role that radical acceptance plays in creating an inclusive workplace(29:23) How to create an organization that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion(34:22) A great manager that Risha has worked for(35:38) Keep up with Risha(36:44) [Extended Episode Only] How to start educating yourself to undo internal biases(43:53) [Extended Episode Only] An honest answer to a tough question Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Risha: - Follow Risha on Instagram here - Follow her on Twitter here - Check her out on LinkedIn here - Visit her official website for more information here Guest Bonus: 5 Copies of Be Better Than Your BS Book  Risha is happy to offer 5 copies of “Be Better Than Your BS: How Radical Acceptance Empowers Authenticity and Creates a Workplace Culture of Inclusion” to members of The Modern Manager community.  Using stories from her personal and professional journey as well as those of her clients, Grant encourages you to first examine the roots of your own BS through a process of radically accepting yourself and then to build a BS-free culture, which can only happen when you learn to radically accept others. She also shares the exercises, tools, and strategies she has taught thousands of people at all levels to make their workplaces more accepting, inclusive, and productive.  Get a chance to win a copy of this book and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Is your team safe enough at work? Just like physical safety in the workplace, we also need psychological safety if we want people to do their best at work. Psychological safety is about creating a safe space where team members feel comfortable taking risks, sharing their thoughts or ideas, and making mistakes without worrying about ridicule, punishment, or exclusion. And today’s guest is just the right person to talk about psychological safety at work. Today’s guest is Rich Fernandez. Rich is the CEO of SIY Global and a former Executive Director for People Development at Google. His Ph.D. in Psychology from Columbia University, as well as his extensive background in senior leadership for multiple Fortune 500 companies, has made him an unmatched thought leader in the industry of workplace psychology. Rich is an expert in cultivating workplace environments that foster emotional intelligence and mindfulness from the top down.  In this episode, Rich and I talk about psychological safety and the interplay between trust, inclusion, belonging, and safety. He also shares why psychological safety at work matters and how you can foster more of it within your team. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:41) What is psychological safety, and how is it different from trust?(05:43) How psychological safety and trust go hand-in-hand(07:26) An example of psychological safety in Rich’s team  (10:02) How do you know if you’re fostering psychological safety in your team(13:03) Two ways for managers to create psychological safety at work(17:18) How to create an atmosphere where all team members can freely share their perspectives(19:10) How to handle dissenting views without scaring off your team members(22:34) Challenges that managers need to overcome when cultivating psychological safety in the team(29:17) A great manager that Rich has worked for(32:52) Keep up with Rich(34:24) [Extended Episode Only] The role of emotional intelligence in fostering psychological safety(39:10) [Extended Episode Only] First step in developing emotional intelligence Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Rich: - Follow Rich on LinkedIn here - Visit SIY Global for more information here Free eBook: Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness at Work Rich Fernandez is happy to offer a free eBook to The Modern Manager membership community: Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness at Work: Why Human-Centered Skills are Essential to Future-Proof Your Organization.  In this eBook, you will find the latest research conducted by SIY Global and experts around the impact of emotional intelligence and mindfulness on 4 key organizational trends: 1. Why current levels of stress and burnout are costly and unstable; 2. How connection and belonging in a disconnected world are essential for team performance; 3. The emerging demands for human-centered leadership; 4. The need for resilience and agility to innovate and adapt. Get this free eBook and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you ever wish you could accomplish more of your goals personally and professionally? Many people believe that accomplishing goals is about time management when, in fact, it’s about holding yourself accountable. But why is it hard for people to be accountable? Joining me in this week’s episode are two guests who live and breathe accountability. Today’s guests are Tasha Howland and Cheron Porter. Tasha and Cheron are passionate about helping individuals reach their highest potential both personally and professionally through accountability coaching, which they do through their business AQ partners. Today, Tasha, Cheron, and I talk about all things accountability. We discuss why it’s hard to be accountable and the strategies to increase accountability for yourself and your team members. We also dive into what a good accountability partnership looks like, how to support your team members to be accountable, and more. Join the conversation now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics (00:00) Intro(01:45) Why is it hard to hold people accountable(03:13) #1 reason why people avoid self-accountability(06:51) Explaining the chances of reaching your goals(09:32) How to manage accountability during uncertain times(11:51) What does it look like to have an accountability partner(15:15) Factors that are essential in making a good accountability partner(18:34) Formula in setting goals(20:25) The power of specificity(21:58) Tips for doing effective weekly accountability conversations(26:41) Great managers that Tasha and Cheron have worked for(29:50) Keep up with Tasha and Cheron(31:04) [Extended Episode Only] How to find an accountability partner(37:24) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when the other person always seems to make excuses(41:02) [Extended Episode Only] How to make progress when accountability isn’t enoughAdditional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Cheron and Tasha - Follow Cheron on LinkedIn here - Follow Tasha on LinkedIn here - Check out The AQ Partners on LinkedIn here - Visit their website to learn more here 50% Off One-Hour Strategy Session The AQ Partners will offer a one-hour strategy session designed to help you break down your big-picture goal into small, actionable steps and craft a massive plan of action tailored to your lifestyle. This dynamic roadmap will guide you and help serve as a foundation when you encounter inevitable struggles and setbacks so you can focus on success.  The cost is typically $300, but you can book a strategy session for $150.  Get this discount and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Are you becoming a bad boss? What are the signs that you’re turning into one?  Bad boss behaviors can range from micromanagement and poor communication to lack of appreciation and unreasonably high expectations for their employees. The good thing is that bad boss behaviors can be changed. And we’ve invited someone to help us explore today’s topic. Today’s guest is Rob Kalwarowsky. Rob is a High-Performance Leadership Coach and TEDx Speaker whose quiet realizations give his audience loud transformations. Rob shares wise insights about toxic leadership, mental health, and finding purpose in life.  In this week’s episode, Rob and I talk about the six different types of bad bosses, how to avoid accidentally becoming a bad boss, and how to deal with someone with bad boss behaviors. Whether you might be unintentionally using bad boss behaviors or are currently dealing with a toxic boss, tune in now for an insightful conversation. Let’s get started! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Conversation Topics: (00:00) Intro(02:05) What is a bad boss?(03:27) 6 archetypes of bad bosses(10:06) The first step on how not to be a bad boss(15:52) How to determine that you’re being a bad boss(19:24) Rob’s own experience of dealing with a toxic boss(23:17) Tips on how to start changing your bad boss behaviors(27:36) A great manager Rob has worked for(28:41) Keep up with Rob(30:30) [Extended Episode Only] How to deal with a bad boss(38:01) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when your bad boss’s behaviors fit your style? Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Rob Kalwarowsky - Follow Rob on LinkedIn here - Check Rob out on Instagram here - Visit Elite High Performance for more here - FREE How to Deal with A**hole Boss eBook here - Get $50 Off promo code for the How to  Deal with A**hole Boss program here (Use the code MODERNMANAGER) *Members of The Modern Manager community get a FREE Elite High Performance’s Purpose Playbook (Usually at $99). Elite High Performance’s Purpose Playbook program supports people in becoming clear on their core values and uncovering their innate gifts so they can tap into their sweet spot and create more purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in their lives.  Get this discount and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you had the opportunity to use ChatGPT or other AI tools in your work yet? Have you considered harnessing these tools to improve your communication skills? This conversation might convince you to do so. Today’s guest is Helen Dayen. Helen is an executive coach with over 15 years of experience in leadership development, relationship management, business development, and executive coaching. She specializes in elevating influential leadership, honing executive presence, building teams, and fostering stronger professional relationships. In this episode, Helen and I uncover how you can effectively use AI tools like ChatGPT to help you become a better communicator and manager.  We talk about how to craft better prompts for more appropriate responses, use ChatGPT to help you better prepare for actual conversations, and leverage its features to improve your strategic thinking and decision-making skills. If you want to learn more about AI and how it can improve your communications, make sure to tune in to this week’s episode to learn more! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Key Takeaways: (00:00) Intro(02:07) AI as a tool for becoming a better manager(03:58) How to use AI to be a better communicator(06:56) The secret to writing good AI prompts(10:09) How AI can help you communicate better in actual conversations(15:36) The disadvantages of using AI as a communication tool(20:36) How to use AI in meetings to improve the group’s decision making(22:25) How to get your team to use AI to improve their communication skills(26:33) A great manager Helen has worked for(28:12) Keep up with Helen(29:48) [Extended Episode Only] How AI can help you in decision making(33:34) [Extended Episode Only] Tips for avoiding getting bad responses from AI(36:25) [Extended Episode Only] The MOA influencing model explained Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Helen Dayen - Follow her on Instagram here - Check her out on LinkedIn here - Visit her website for more information here *Members of The Modern Manager community can schedule a complimentary coaching session with Helen. In addition, you can receive a 10% discount on all coaching packages. Get this discount and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Throughout millions of years of evolution, our brains became formidable tools of innovation, helping us transcend from agricultural to industrial. However, as the world of work underwent radical changes, we mostly found ourselves facing new challenges that our brains were not initially designed to handle. Today’s guest is Dr. Gabriella Rosen Kellerman. Gabriella is an author, entrepreneur, executive, and startup advisor trained as an MD. She has served as Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Product Officer at BetterUp, as well as the founding CEO of Lifelink. Her expertise spans the future of work, behavior change, leadership, well-being, productivity, and behavioral health. In this episode, Gabriella and I explore the critical skills required to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving work environment. She shares how we can tap into our brain’s evolutionary insights to meet the demands of the modern workplace. From enhancing creativity to fostering trust and collaboration, Gabriella offers practical advice for cultivating these vital skills so you can become a better manager. Tune in now to learn more! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Key Takeaways: (00:00) Intro(02:26) The evolution of the human brain (06:21)  Five skills that are important for success in today’s modern world (13:33)  How to help your team feel that they and their works matter(21:11)   How to get your team in the mindset of creativity  & innovation(23:23) The four different types of creativity(26:55) Two ways to help your team tap into their strengths(29:43) A great manager Gabriella has worked for(31:18)  Keep up with Gabriella(32:49) [Extended episode only] How to become a more resilient leader(35:34) [Extended episode only] What can managers do to help their team members become resilient(41:53) [Extended episode only] The different faces of resilience Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Dr. Gabriella Rosen Kellerman - Follow Gabriella on Instagram here - Check Gabriella out on LinkedIn here- Learn more about Gabriella’s book Tomorrowmind here * Members of the Modern Manager community get a chance to own a signed copy of Dr. Kellerman’s book, “Tomorrowmind”. Get it when you join The Modern Manager Community. ------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

For decades, the office served as the central hub of the business ecosystem until the pandemic. Remote work became a trend, and virtual meetings became the standard for collaboration with our teams and facilitating communication.  However, along with the convenience of work-from-home setups, a new challenge arose–how can managers effectively convey their thoughts and ideas and become excellent digital communicators? Today’s guest is Ty Hoesgen. Ty is a top communication coach, #1 best-selling author, and the Founder of Advanced Growth Institute. He helps professionals from around the world communicate with confidence, charisma, and clarity — so they can get more respect, become stronger leaders, and advance their careers. In today’s episode, Ty and I discuss how you can be an excellent communicator using digital mediums - like virtual meetings and emails.  We get into the small things you can do to make yourself appear more trustworthy and engaged on the camera, how to write better emails, and more. You don’t want to miss this. Tune in now!  Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Key Takeaways: (00:00) Intro(02:34) How to make proper eye contact during video calls(06:15) Getting your body position right when on Zoom(09:02) A great tip you can do at every beginning of a call(11:45) The importance of proper lighting(13:50) Natural vs. virtual backgrounds(16:50) How to get your team to follow good video setups(19:03) Email writing hacks(27:03) A great manager Ty has worked for(29:23) Keeping up with Ty(31:22) [Extended episode only] How to effectively convey your ideas or thoughts to your team(32:34)[Extended episode only] The PREP framework explained(39:14) [Extended episode only] Ty’s final tips Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here - Read the related blog article here - Follow me on Instagram here  - Visit my website for more here Connect with Ty Hoesgen - Follow Ty on Instagram here - Check Ty out on TikTok here   - Check out his latest updates on LinkedIn here - Access Ty’s FREE course: 5 Science-Backed Video Call Secrets Every Professional Needs to Know.  * Members of the Modern Manager community get a FREE digital copy of Ty’s Elite Communication Skills: How to Get More Respect, Make Your Work Life Easier, and Rapidly Advance Your Career.  *PLUS 20% off coaching with Ty if you want to speak with confidence and clarity - and finally, stop being overlooked and undervalued.  Get all of these when you join The Modern Manager Community. ------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Many of us fall into the perfectionist trap. Whether it’s because of strict bosses, high academic standards, or just self-motivation, perfectionism is more common than you’d think. While it’s important and healthy to strive to do our best work, at some point all managers have to acknowledge that people will make mistakes and good enough can truly be good enough. Today’s guest is Thomas Curran. Thomas is a professor of psychology at the London School of Economics and author of a landmark study that the BBC hailed as “the first to compare perfectionism across generations.” His TED Talk on perfectionism has received more than three million views. His research has been featured in media ranging from the Harvard Business Review to New Scientist to CNN and he has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. Thomas and I talk about, no surprise, perfectionism. He shares the problems that come from being a perfectionist and working in a perfectionist culture, what’s really driving perfectionist tendencies, how to identify someone struggling with perfectionism, and of course, what to do to manage perfectionist tendencies in yourself and how to help others. Members of the Modern Manager community get a chance to win 1 of 5 copies of “The Perfection Trap”.  Get it when you join the Modern Manager community. Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Read the related blog article: Stop Perfectionism From Impeding Your Team’s Success KEEP UP WITH THOMAS Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfection-Trap-Embracing-Power-Enough/dp/1982149531 Read the Full Transcript. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro02:53 What is perfectionism?04:20 What are the harms of always striving for perfection?06:57 A story of unhealthy perfectionism09:29 How can managers give feedback to perfectionists?11:02 How to shift out of perfectionism thinking20:59 Creating a work environment that doesn’t set a perfectionist standard28:31 A great manager Thomas worked for30:45 Keeping up with Thomas31:50 [Extended episode only] Is it true that some aspects of perfectionism lead to success?39:12 [Extended episode only] What is the link between perfectionism and procrastination? Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $15 per month.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Do you ever feel stuck in the middle? Middle managers have a unique opportunity to understand the high-level objectives of an organization and touch the day-to-day activities that accomplish those goals. However, middle managers can often feel pulled in two different directions, answering to their superiors and the employees below them. How can middle managers effectively balance their time and attention to be their best selves at work? Today's guest is Emily Field. Emily helps organizations establish a talent-first approach, instilling a high-performance culture, and adopting effective people-analytics approaches. Her new book Power to the Middle focuses on how organizations can empower their middle managers who are uniquely positioned close to the daily work AND overall business strategy.  Emily and I talk about the important role that middle managers play, what it is they are uniquely suited to do, and how they can start to shift their role to do more of what’s essential and less of what isn’t! Five members of the Modern Manager community can get a copy of Emily’s book, Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: How to Tap the Hidden Value of Middle Managers   KEEP UP WITH EMILY LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykfield/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Middle-Managers-Hold-Future/dp/1647824850/   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro01:56 Why middle managers are the secret ingredient in organizations03:24 What aspects of the managerial role make it essential?07:58 A manager’s unique ability to reallocate work10:31 A manager’s unique ability to connect people with roles (supermarket story)13:00 How can managers advocate for appropriate compensation and professional development dollars?24:46 Tools and frameworks to help managers be better in their role27:17 A great boss Emily has worked for29:41 Keeping up with Emily30:50 [Extended episode only] What’s the role of a senior manager in this context?32:40 [Extended episode only] Client story: Bank managers36:09 [Extended episode only] What is the impact of hiring and promoting managers well?Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Teams are the backbone of all workplaces. When teams are functioning properly, organizations can thrive; and in order for teams to function properly, people must be good teammates. Success often comes down to the ability of individuals to work together effectively. But how do people continue to be good team members in today’s ever-changing workforce? Today’s guest is Lance Loya, best-selling author and authority on the mindset of a good teammate. His most recent book, The WE Gear, made Forbes’ list of “20 Books to Make You a Better Coach or Mentor.” He is also the founder and CEO of The Good Teammate Factory and the creator of National Be a Good Teammate Day. Lance and I talk about what it means to be a good team member. He breaks down the ALIVE model and explains the five factors that every person and manager can embody to be a superstar teammate. Members of the Modern Manager community get 50% off Lance’s professional team development course, The Good Teammate Factory. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: The Five Qualities of A Good Teammate Anyone Can Achieve    KEEP UP WITH LANCE Website: http://www.coachloya.com/   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro02:07 What is the “we gear” concept?05:49 Five components of the ALIVE model: put the “we gear” mindset into action10:11 What did Lance discover in his research about great teammates?11:46 How do leaders show they are truly invested in their teams?16:23 The importance of simply waving hello20:48 How to confront people who aren’t being good team members26:38 A great manager Lance has worked for28:26 Keeping up with Lance30:00 [Extended episode only] The five teammates that each person needs34:37 [Extended episode only] Which of the five roles should the manager be?37:12 [Extended episode only] How can we be a good ‘buddy’ with our colleagues without crossing a boundary?Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

EPISODE 263: NAVIGATE EMOTIONS IN THE WORKPLACE WITH JEN HOPE Whether you find yourself grappling with stress, loneliness, or irritation—or simply seeking to cultivate a more positive and productive work environment—managers must learn to navigate the intricate landscape of emotional regulation. Feelings of all sorts make their way into our daily work experience. The challenge is that when they’re negative or really strong, they can quickly throw us and our teams off track. Today’s guest is Jen Hope. Jen is an accomplished leadership coach with over a decade of experience in helping entrepreneurs and tech leaders thrive. With her unique process that utilizes data to create deeper levels of self-awareness, Jen is committed to promoting compassion and kindness while teaching highly-effective research-backed tools and frameworks to help clients achieve their goals. Jen and I talk about emotions and their impact on us, how we can process our emotions, the integration of emotional and rational thinking, strategies for staying calm and moving forward when your emotions spike and so much more. Members of the Modern Manager community get a major discount on two “Accelerate Your Growth” Strategy Sessions with Jen. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: 4 Steps to Manage Your Emotions at Work   KEEP UP WITH JEN Website: https://heyjenhope.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyjenhope LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyjenhope/   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro02:14 Why do we experience emotions?03:38 Why do some people seem to be less emotional?08:23 The skill of acknowledging what you’re feeling10:43 Strategies we can use to name our emotions21:26 How can we support our team members through emotional experiences?27:00 A great boss Jen has worked for28:21 Keeping up with Jen29:00 [Extended episode only] Tangible tips to prepare for emotional conversationsGet the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

EPISODE 262: CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING WITH DR. SAM ADEYEMI Decision-making has been somewhat of a hot topic for leaders lately, and for good reason. Each decision we make, whether big or small, plays a role in either accomplishing our goals or straying from them. But how do we learn to make better decisions, and how do we teach our team members to do the same? Today’s guest is Dr. Sam Adeyemi. Sam is a leadership coach, global speaker, and strategic leadership expert, who is focused on shifting people’s mindsets so they can see possibilities and become those possibilities. And, he is the author of Dear Leader: Your Flagship Guide to Successful Leadership. Sam and I talk about creative problem solving and decision-making. He shares the special ingredients to bringing a group together to creatively tackle challenges and make strong decisions. Members of the Modern Manager community get a 30 Day free trial to Dr. Sam’s Reset Program for Leaders. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article:  How to Creatively Solve Problems and Make Decisions as a Team   KEEP UP WITH DR. SAM Twitter: https://twitter.com/sam_adeyemi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesamadeyemi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesamadeyemi  Website: https://samadeyemi.com/ Read the Full Transcript.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro01:50 Creative problem solving in a team06:07 Harnessing ideas through brainstorming09:46 Mind-mapping and other tools for brainstorming15:43 Using our intuition to make decisions16:28 A story on intuitive decision-making21:01 Four lenses for decision-making25:31 A great manager Sam has worked for28:01 Keeping up with Sam30:00 [Extended episode only] Extreme Ownership: What it is, and what does it look like in action?34:52 [Extended episode only] How do we shift our work culture to encourage extreme ownership?Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Do you ever feel like you can see the end in sight, but you don’t know how to get there? Having a vision is important—having clear processes and procedures to accomplish your goals is just as important. In fact, creating and sticking to work processes can be the difference between a team that is chaotic and unorganized versus a team that works together seamlessly to get work done. Today’s guest is Racheal Allen. Racheal is a Lean Six Sigma certified consultant, coach and CEO with over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and C-suite executive. Racheal specializes in helping her clients operationalize their visions by leveraging systems, automation and delegation strategies. Racheal and I talk about how to establish work processes that get the ideas out of your head and onto paper in a way that doesnt feel like micromanaging. We get into the role of technology to support ways of working, the importance of setting the team up for effective information flow, and so much more! Members of the Modern Manager community get access to an exclusive “Multiplying Your Time” workshop facilitated live by Racheal. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: Improve Your Team’s Operations With the Right Technology   KEEP UP WITH RACHEAL Website: http://www.rachealallen.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachealallen/   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:57 What does it mean to create an operational system in your team? 04:04 What’s the right amount of structure in an organization? 06:41 Setting the tone for team infrastructure. 10:43 Systems and processes that are fundamental for any team 12:43 The role of technology and automation 19:09 Best practices for documenting processes 24:17 Onboarding to a tool versus maintaining use of a tool  29:18 A great manager Racheal has worked for 32:04 Keeping up with Racheal 33:00 [Extended episode only] How do we encourage people to maintain operational systems? 37:11 [Extended episode only] Best practices for keeping to-do lists updated 40:31 [Extended episode only] Supporting our team members in what works best for them Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Do you ever feel like the world is against you? Many leaders have risen to the top of their industries by working hard, trying to prove themselves against all odds. But surprisingly, those who have found the greatest success have seen themselves as partners with the world. This deep, sometimes unconscious mindset colors everything from the decisions you make to the habits you form. The question is: do you believe the world will help you get what you want? Today’s guest is Dr. Stephen Barden. Stephen is an accomplished coach-mentor and author specializing in developing top-level leaders and organizational cultures. He has a decade of experience in the media, technology, and communications sectors, including ten years as a CEO. Stephen brings a unique perspective on leadership and business, and he is the author of the rigorously researched book, How Successful Leaders Do Business with Their World.  Stephen and I talk about his Navigational Stance concept that depicts how leaders see themselves in relation to the world around them. We get into the Navigational Compass, in which he shares some of the behaviors and mindsets that great managers possess.  Members of the Modern Manager community get a slide deck with the SOVOS approach to help you prepare for difficult conversations. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: Proven Mindsets for the Successful Leader   KEEP UP WITH STEPHEN Book: https://www.amazon.com/Successful-Leaders-Business-Their-World/dp/0367564114  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbarden/ Website: https://www.stephenbarden.org/   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:57 What is the Navigational Stance mindset?  05:21 How do people come to believe the world is for or against them? 10:19 Compass Point: Holism – see all the linkages mindset 15:50 Compass Point: Triangular challenge - explore assumptions mindset 22:29 Compass Point: Pragmatism - Do the best possible mindset 27:42 A great manager Stephen has worked for 29:03 Keeping up with Stephen 30:45 [Extended episode only] How do we identify potential leaders within our organizations? 37:42 [Extended episode only] Holding a partnering mindset with our team members Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Have you ever heard the phrase, "It's not what you know, it's who you know"? The people in our circles can have a large impact on the work we do and the career decisions we make. But how do we get people in our circles in the first place, and keep them there? Networking. An essential skill for managers, networking allows you to build relationships with people in and out of your industry, learn about new opportunities, and find mentors who can help you advance your career.  Today’s guest is Megan Burke Roudebush. Megan is the Founder + CEO of keepwith, a technology that is helping the world network better. Megan speaks globally, has appeared on other well-followed podcasts, has written articles on networking topics for national publications, including Fast Company, Thrive, TLNT and Law360.com, and has been featured in global publications for her networking expertise. Megan and I talk all things networking. What it is, how to do it well, how to support your team members to network, and so much more. Members of the Modern Manager community get 50% off a 1-year subscription of keepwith. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: How to Network Your Way to Success   KEEP UP WITH MEGAN Website: www.keepwith.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/keepwithnetworking Twitter: www.twitter.com/keepwithnetwork LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/18768126/admin/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/keepwithnetworking/ Email: [email protected]   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:45 What is networking and how do you maintain relationships? 04:17 The first step (which we often get wrong!) 07:01 Building authentic, not transactional, relationships 09:32 Client story: Meeting Taylor Swift 10:34 Networking in vs. outside your company 16:05 How to construct a networking conversation 18:31 How can managers support their peoples’ networking journeys? 21:15 When to say “no” 24:28 Develop your networking strategy 27:25 A great manager Megan has worked for 28:26 Keeping up with Megan 29:30 [Extended episode only] What to do during your strategic networking time  33:21 [Extended episode only] How do you network with strangers? 35:12 [Extended episode only] The key is humility Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Of all the learning resources available, sometimes the best one is another person. No matter how much we know about a certain topic or industry, there is likely someone who knows a bit more. Mentorship allows people to grow and learn directly from another person, who shares their wisdom, guidance, motivation, and knowledge. But how frequently is mentorship used in the workplace, and what can we do about it? Today’s guest is Scott Jeffrey Miller. Scott is a highly sought-after speaker, author, and podcast host. He is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and currently serves as FranklinCovey’s senior advisor on thought leadership. Prior to his advisor role, Scott was a twenty-¬five-year FranklinCovey associate, serving as the Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President. He hosts On Leadership With Scott Miller, the world’s largest weekly leadership podcast. Scott is a partner in Gray+Miller, a speaking, literary, and talent agency. We talk about mentorship, why it's important to find yourself a mentor and how to be one, as well as what to do and what not to do.  We also cover the difference between mentoring and coaching and whether managers can mentor their staff, plus a whole lot more. Members of the Modern Manager community get a digital card deck for mentoring sessions. To complement his book, Scott created a set of handy, quick reference cards to use in your mentoring sessions. The cards highlight key insights from each of the 13 roles, as well as questions, watchouts, and phrases to progress your mentoring success. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: How to Use Mentorship To Change Your Life   KEEP UP WITH SCOTT Great Mentorship Website: http://www.greatmentorship.com/ Gray + Miller Website: http://www.graymilleragency.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottjeffreymiller/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottmillerj1 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/franklincovey-on-leadership-with-scott-miller/id1391164389   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:27 How is mentorship different from coaching? 05:07 Why do we need mentors? 08:32 Key roles mentors can play 11:05 Role 2: The Boundary Setter 15:32 Role 8: The Visionary 21:34 How to find the right mentor 24:22 How to ask for mentorship so the person will say yes. 27:41 A great manager Scott has worked for 29:50 Keeping up with Scott 31:07 [Extended episode only] Role 1: The Revealer 34:50 [Extended episode only] The one thing never to do as a mentor 36:01 [Extended episode only] Role 11: The Activator Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

While we may not realize it, stories are constantly underlying our thinking. We formed stories about ourselves when we were younger, we interpret messages through our pre-existing stories, and we tell ourselves stories to help us understand the world around us. These stories have a great influence on how we relate to the people around us. So, how can we recognize the impact stories have on us and learn how to utilize them more effectively when communicating with others? Today’s guest is Chuck Wisner. Chuck is a sought-after thinker, coach, and teacher in organizational strategy, conversational dynamics, and leadership excellence. He has spent twenty-five years as a business and personal consultant and a trusted advisor to leaders in high-profile companies across industries including Google, Apple, Tesla, Ford, DTE Energy, General Motors, and others. He is author of The Art of Conscious Conversations. Chuck and I talk about the stories we tell ourselves and how they can get in the way of productive conversations with our colleagues, and also help or hinder us in general. We touch on how to unpack our own thoughts, how to better understand our team member’s perspectives, and a whole lot more. Members of the Modern Manager community get a discount on a speaking engagement if you would like Chuck to speak at your corporate or community event. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: Confront the Stories in Your Head that Hold Your Team Back   KEEP UP WITH CHUCK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuck_wisner/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-wisner/Website: https://www.chuckwisner.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chuckwisnerconsulting   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:52 Stories are the foundation of our thoughts 03:11 An example of how stories can serve us 04:46 How do we become more conscious of the beliefs we embody? 06:43 Exercise: “Left-hand column” 11:13 How do we help our team members shift their consciousness?  15:30 Facts vs. opinions 19:12 Example of a client who has gone through this process 27:00 A great boss Chuck has worked for 28:25 Keeping up with Chuck 29:15 [Extended episode only] The next stage of conversation: What comes after storytelling? 31:14 [Extended episode only] How can we commit to more effective conversations? 35:27 [Extended episode only] Making better commitments Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month.  Additional Resources: Download the PDF introduction to Chuck’s book, The Art of Conscious Conversations, on his website. Book a free, 30-minute consultation/advising session if you are interested in understanding more about Chuck’s work and how you could work together. Via his contact link, send an email, letting Chuck know you came from The Modern Manager. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Each person brings their values and perspectives to group decision-making. But what happens when those perspectives seem to be conflicting? We need to be cost conscious, and we also need high quality. We need honesty, and we also need kindness and grace. We need structure, and we also need flexibility. When we feel like we’re stuck between conflicting options or mindsets, it might be a moment for both/and thinking. Having a better understanding of polarities can help us leverage the best of both worlds. Today’s guest is Ronni Hendel. Ronni works as a coach and facilitator with individual leaders, teams, and organizations. She supports her clients in building their capacity to achieve results through others and to navigate through increased complexity. She helps them move beyond self-awareness into being able to consistently respond with grace and clarity under pressure. Ronni and I talk about what polarities are, how they show up in the workplace and create tension or conflict, and how to embrace them using a both-and mindset. We get into the polarities map and how it can be a tool to help your team find a better path forward. Members of the Modern Manager community get a guide to leveraging polarities including how to identify when a polarity is at play. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: The Magic of Both/And Thinking and Exploring Polarities   KEEP UP WITH RONNI Website: www.insightoutleadership.com   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:01 What are polarities? 07:56 How to collaborate instead of choose sides 12:37 Introducing the idea of polarities to colleagues 14:56 Understanding the polarity map 18:46 The vulnerability of letting go 22:59 How to find a middle ground 25:12 A great manager Ronni has worked for 26:49 Keeping up with Ronni 27:30 [Extended episode only] The difference between ‘complex’ and ‘complicated’ 32:55 [Extended episode only] Common situations that managers mislabel 35:25 [Extended episode only] How polarities show up in complex versus complicated situations Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

How can a manager help their team members grow if they aren’t aware of their skillsets, dreams, and roadblocks? Managers play a critical role in supporting their people’s growth, and in order to do this, they need a better understanding of how to help each person. The best way to make this happen is one-on-ones.  Today’s guest is Jason Wick. Jason is a Director of Product Development with nearly a decade of management experience in a variety of industries. His passion lies in managing and guiding others to reach higher levels in their professional performance, both as individuals and as teams. He is also the host of the Leadership Voyage podcast. Jason and I talk about the infamous one-on-ones: what these meetings are all about, how you can use them to strengthen your team, what everyone should be doing to prepare for a productive conversation, and so much more.  Members of the Modern Manager community get a one-pager with 1-1 reflection questions and 8 ways to ruin (or restore) your 1-1s. Members also get the extended interviews and other benefits! Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: How To Have One-on-Ones That Center What Your Employee Needs   KEEP UP WITH JASON LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonallenwick/   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:50 What are one-on-ones all about? (Your team member is your customer!) 06:45 How often should we hold one-on-ones? 11:45 Can canceling one-on-ones really be hurtful to our team members? 13:59 How should managers properly prepare for a one-on-one? 19:00 The 10/10/10 approach, and other ways to focus on employee growth 21:19 How should team members properly prepare for a one-on-one? 23:55 Receiving and encouraging employee feedback 27:06 A great manager Jason has worked for 28:19 Keeping up with Jason 29:25 [Extended Interview] How do you serve employees who don’t want to engage in one-on-ones? 34:20 [Extended Interview] Other processes for performance reviews and relationship building [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the way we work. From hybrid work to workplace culture; from motivation to burnout; from work-life balance to communication; the pandemic changed nearly everything about the workforce. Not only did employees have to navigate these changes, but managers had to drastically adjust the expectations for their teams—and many are still adapting today. Today’s guest is Mia Russell. Mia has served in various roles across nonprofit, academic, and corporate sectors. Currently, as a lecturer in the Center for Leadership Education at Johns Hopkins University, she teaches leadership and management courses, and her research focuses on the sustainability of well-being, specifically family economic well-being and career/work-related well-being. We talk about the expectations about work that are changing. We touch on quiet quitting, what employers or bosses can reasonably ask of their people, how all of this ties to burnout and the need to create a healthy balance in life, and so much more. Five members of the Modern Manager community can get a 30-minute call with Mia to help them identify strategies to reduce organizational factors that promote burnout. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: It’s Not Quiet Quitting: What’s Really Going On With Your Team   KEEP UP WITH MIA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miabrussell   Timestamps & Topics: 00:00 Intro01:49 Three categories of “Quiet Quitting”06:17 How are pre-pandemic work expectations different from current expectations?10:03 How do we meaningfully engage our team members?15:03 The importance of healthy motivation17:50 How can we set boundaries to avoid burnout?23:26 Understanding your values around work and time27:17 A fantastic boss Mia has worked for29:09 Keeping up with Mia30:20 [Extended episode only] How can managers identify team members on the verge of burnout?38:47 [Extended episode only] Physical versus emotional [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Setting healthy productivity habits is crucial for our overall well-being. When we are productive, we feel good about ourselves and our accomplishments; we are also more likely to achieve our goals. However, if we are not careful, an excessive emphasis on productivity without boundaries can lead to burnout. We can experience overwhelm as extreme physical and mental exhaustion which keeps us from being our best. So, how do we find the balance of a productive yet fulfilling approach to work? Today’s guest is Byron Morrison, the author of "Maybe You Should Give Up - 7 ways to get out of your own way and take control of your life". He is also a mindset and performance coach, who for close to a decade has worked with CEOs, business leaders and entrepreneurs in 15 different countries to take control and become more effective in their role. Byron and I talk about managing your time and energy to be most productive and effective. He shares some counterintuitive approaches to dealing with overwhelm, stress and more. Members of the Modern Manager community get access to Byron’s “Amplify” Course for free with the purchase of his book. This course is the ultimate productivity, time, and energy management course for CEOs and business leaders. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: Better Manage Your Time and Energy to Reduce Overwhelm   KEEP UP WITH BYRON Website: byronmorrison.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorbyronmorrison/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbyronmorrison Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbyronmorrison   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:43 “Someone who is overwhelmed is just under-planned” 03:36 Strategy to get through mental overwhelm (brain dump) 05:29 What are push days vs. pull days? 09:42 How to structure push days and pull days 11:03 Byron’s approach to reducing task-associated stress 15:31 Recommendations for daily planning 17:33 How do teams collectively become more productive? 19:52 Client story on accountability 21:52 Byron’s stress de-compounding approach 27:26 A great manager Byron has worked for 28:48 Keeping up with Byron 30:00 [Extended episode only] Setting boundaries in your planning 35:28 How do we stay involved while setting boundaries? [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Collaboration is essential for success in today's workplace. No matter how much intelligence and creativity any individual possesses, collaboration between team members always leads to better results. Collaboration allows team members to pool their ideas and expertise, leading to more creative, diverse, and innovative solutions while leveraging each person’s strengths. Plus, team members who experience successful collaborations feel more engaged and satisfied at work. Today’s guest is Deb Mashek. Deb is a social psychologist who helps business leaders navigate the relationship headwinds that tank timelines, bottom lines, and well-being. An experienced business advisor, professor, and nonprofit executive, her writing appears in MIT-Sloan Management Review, Fortune, ReWorked, The Hechinger Report, and Psychology Today. Deb has been an invited speaker on collaboration and viewpoint diversity at leading organizations including the United Nations and the American Psychological Association. She is the international bestselling author of Collabor(h)ate. We talk about how to foster successful collaborations within your team and organization. What are different ways we work together that we might call collaboration, what are the factors that go into collaboration, and how do you improve each of them or deal with it when things aren’t going well. Members of the Modern Manager community get a recording of Deb’s 1-Hour Workshop on Deep Collaboration, which will equip you to identify and overcome the collaboration headwinds that are holding back your organization. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: How to Build Strong Collaborations (Even When Your Team Can’t Stand Each Other)   KEEP UP WITH DEB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-mashek/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@debmashek Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebMashek Instagram: www.instagram.com/debmashek/   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:00 What counts as collaboration? 03:32 What does ‘successful’ collaboration mean? 05:07 The importance of relationships 10:08 How integrated should we be with our co-workers? 11:50 Four quadrants of collaboration, with examples 19:52 How to increase the quality of your relationships 26:51 A great manager Deb has worked for 28:47 Keeping up with Deb 30:00 [Extended episode only] How to increase interdependence 31:19 [Extended episode only] Creating a strong collaborative ecosystem 34:47 [Extended episode only] What skills and competencies can we develop to become better collaborators? 37:25 [Extended episode only] Software and tools for effective collaboration [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Being productive is a skill that comes naturally to some people, but it can be more difficult for others, especially those with learning differences or other challenges. Depending on your attention span, level of motivation, executive functioning skills, and environment, you may struggle to find success with traditional productivity advice. It’s important to remember that everyone’s mind is different, and with the right tools and mindset, you and each of your team members are capable of productivity greatness! Today’s guest is Sandra Halling. Sandra is a marketing systems and technology consultant who has a passion for finding smart, efficient ways of working so you can let go of the hustle. Sandra is a systems expert on platforms like Notion and ConvertKit but her real priority is helping you develop better work habits by achieving Aligned Productivity — that is to say, aligning your work with your values so you feel calm, confident, and can prioritize what matters to you. Sandra and I talk about different approaches to planning and staying organized that work for different styles of thinking. She shares her thoughts on what productivity is all about and how to navigate differences in productivity approaches, and a whole lot more. Members of the Modern Manager community get two bonuses this week! The first is 1 Free Month of Aligned Productivity Membership, which helps highly sensitive entrepreneurs and professionals feel more productive, without the hustle or overwhelm that comes from traditional productivity. The second is a set of Free Productivity Reflection Templates. Get these when you join the Modern Manager community. Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Get 25% off The Modern Manager Skills Accelerator through April 30, 2023. The Skills Accelerator is designed to help you gain the skills, mindset and habits needed to effectively manage your team and yourself so that everyone gets to be their best selves and do their best work.   Read the related blog article: Productivity Approaches That Reduce Stress and Increase Accomplishment   KEEP UP WITH SANDRA Website: https://sandrahalling.com/ Membership Website: https://feelmoreproductive.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrahalling/   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction02:12 Why do we feel pressure to be so productive?05:46 Do we set ourselves up for failure?07:59 How to acknowledge what we’ve accomplished10:34 Tip for neurodivergent listeners: breaking down tasks12:30 Why different approaches work for different people18:30 What happens when your preferred method doesn’t match your co-workers’?24:05 Tools for team productivity29:43 About a great manager Sandra has worked for31:28 Keeping up with Sandra33:00 [Extended episode only] Getting started with “aligned productivity”38:40 [Extended episode only] How to align your daily tasks with larger goalsAdditional Resources: Join the Skills Accelerator (which includes a Patron level membership) this month to get 25% off to celebrate my 250th episode. Go to themodernmanager.com/milestone250 for details and the [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Welcome to episode 250 of The Modern Manager! Phew! I’m so excited to reach this milestone, and I’m so grateful for everyone who has listened to and supported the podcast along the way. Thank you for being here; here’s to 250 more! For this episode, I decided to take a look back at some key ideas that I’ve learned from my amazing guests over the past year or so. While every guest shares something insightful, I chose 5 key takeaways that, for me, stood out in some way. Members of the Modern Manager community get a massive discount on a 360 process facilitated by me. This includes a survey of up to 10 of your colleagues to gather feedback on their experience working with you, your strengths and where you can improve. You’ll receive a full written report plus a 1-hour debrief session with me to review the findings and plan next steps. This special pricing of $250 (instead of upwards of $1,000) is available to 10 members. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.    Get 25% off when you join the Modern Manager Skills Accelerator before 11:59pm Eastern April 30, 2023.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles, and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: 5 Quick Actions for Managers to Improve Their Leadership   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro02:26 The four temperaments that shape our core values (from episode 219)03:05 Excerpt from episode 21905:21 Mamie’s takeaways from episode 21906:25 Mental toughness (from episode 229)06:45 Excerpt from episode 22908:34 Mamie’s takeaways from episode 22910:00 How the seeds you plant can grow (from episode 237)10:20 Excerpt from episode 23711:39 Mamie’s takeaways from episode 23712:40 Acknowledging emotions during times of change (from episode 193)13:03 Excerpt from episode 19315:43 Mamie’s takeaways from episode 19316:30 Addressing conflict head on (from episode 228)16:44 Excerpt from episode 22820:11 Mamie’s takeaways from episode [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Do you know your team members’ unique talents? Every member of a workplace possesses a unique set of talents and skills that can be valuable to a team. By utilizing these diverse abilities, teams can become more efficient, innovative, and successful. Even more, when team members feel valued for their contributions, it fosters a positive and collaborative work environment. Today’s guest is Scott Whiteford. As Director of Leadership Analytics, Scott is a leading authority on The Science of Talent and has coached over 1,700 leaders on how to develop talent. His primary analytical focus is on utilizing Talent Plus’ Executive Interview to help companies select and coach leaders and their teams based on their strengths. He thoughtfully uses talent solutions such as the Team Retreat, TeamView, Leadership 360s, Collaborative Coaching, and Progression & Succession Planning to develop leaders and build effective teams through a strengths-management approach. Scott and I talk about taking a strengths-based approach to management and talent development. We discuss what it means to focus on talents, how to figure out what those strengths are, how to lean into the strengths of your team members and how to do so in ways that feel fair. Members of the Modern Manager community get a free talent assessment and customized report. Take it yourself or give it to your team members as a tool to guide professional development. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: Focus On Developing Your Team Members’ Strengths (Instead of Their Weaknesses!)   KEEP UP WITH SCOTT: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalentPlusInc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TalentPlusInc/ Scott LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwhiteford/ Talent Plus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-plus-inc/   Timestamps & Topics: 0:00 Introductions 1:54 What is strengths-based management? (Mercedes Benz analogy) 5:46 How do leaders recognize what people’s strengths are? 7:17 Examples of strengths Scott has encountered, and how he helped develop them 10:12 How to have conversations with team members about shaping their job to better suit their strengths 14:01 What if someone wants to do a particular job, but you don’t think it fits their strengths? 17:26 Examples of a strengths-based assessment at work 19:00 What to do if you realize you don’t have particular talents that are needed (compensatory strategies) 23:04 How do we shift jobs based on strengths while staying fair and equitable? 26:36 About a great manager that Scott worked for 28:00 Keep up with Scott [Extended episode only] 29:00 Addressing strengths as an element of DEI [Extended episode only] 31:20 Shifting roles on a full-scale vs. team-wide level [Extended episode only] 35:00 Tips on reorienting our thinking to be strengths-based Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month.  Additional Resources: https://go.talentplus.com/makeitagreatday [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

At some point, we’ve all been told to “Work smarter, not harder.” But what does that actually mean? Working smarter often means recognizing the importance of mindset in our work. The way we approach tasks, challenges, and even successes can have a significant impact on our team. Recognizing when your mindset isn’t serving you can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Today’s guest is Dre Baldwin. Dre is CEO and Founder of Work On Your Game Inc. He has given 4 TEDxTalks and has authored 33 books. Dre had a 9-year professional basketball career, playing in 8 countries. His framework is the "roadmap in reverse" for professional mindset, strategy, systems, and execution. Dre and I talk about one of his chapters from his book Work On Your Game where he lays out mental mistakes that good people make that can inhibit you and your team from accomplishing your goals. Members of the Modern Manager community get a chance to win one copy of Dre’s book, Work On Your Game. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: Four Common Mental Mistakes That Trip Managers Up   KEEP UP WITH DRE LinkedIn: http://LinkedIn.com/in/DreAllDay Facebook: http://Facebook.com/WorkOnYourGame  Twitter: http://Twitter.com/DreAllDay Instagram: http://Instagram.com/DreBaldwin YouTube: http://YouTube.com/Dreupt Website: http://DreAllDay.com   Key Takeaways: Mindset impacts success. Unhealthy ways of thinking can block us from our goals.  Replaying negative memories/worries in our head robs us of the potential energy of the present moment. Acknowledge the mistake and move on, so your brain doesn’t habitually get stuck in negativity.  Cover the basic principles and don’t assume what people know. Thinking bigger may get you off track, so return to the fundamentals often.  Remember to focus on “being” as much as “doing”. Consider who you need to be to reach your goal. Bringing new energy can bring different results.  Being important is about making an impact. It’s possible to be nice by doing the hard things that ultimately benefit everyone instead of trying to please people in the moment.  Model approaching goals with a healthy mindset and keep communication open.  Additional Resources: Dre’s Free book, The Third Day Work On Your Game University Free training to increase business without working harder Dre’s number to get his free #DailyMotivation text: 1.305.384.6894 [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

You’ve probably heard of meditation as a personal practice, but did you know it can have benefits to your professional life? Regular meditation practice can help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase emotional regulation. In addition, it can spark increased creativity, better decision-making, and improved relationships. Imagine how our workplaces would be if all of these benefits became reality!   Today’s guest is Shai Tubali. Shai is a happiness history expert and a PhD researcher at the University of Leeds in the UK. His numerous books published over the last two decades have won awards, become bestsellers and been published in 11 languages. His newest book, "Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Meditation,” was published in January 2023 and explores 35 meditation techniques from all over the world. Shai’s postgraduate expertise in science fiction film and pop culture enables him to share common principles that can help modern humans struggling with trauma, fear, uncertainty, depression, anxiety, and screen addiction.  Shai and I talk about why it’s helpful to meditate, the benefits you can expect to feel, how to get started with meditating and the various different techniques, and how meditation can improve how you show up as a manager and engage with your colleagues. Members of the Modern Manager community get a 50% discount on Shai’s 21-Day Challenges. These challenges are an invitation to tap into a new potential and to bring the light and clarity of consciousness to your everyday life. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: How a 5 Minute Meditation Routine Can Make You a Better Manager   KEEP UP WITH SHAI Website: https://shaitubali.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sevenawakenings https://twitter.com/STubali  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaitubali/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShaiTubali Book: https://www.amazon.com/Llewellyns-Complete-Book-Meditation-Comprehensive-ebook/dp/B0B1XSGF8D/    Key Takeaways: Meditation is about learning to focus our attention rather than being controlled by our emotions. We learn to recognize our thoughts through meditation and not identify so strongly with them. Meditation builds our brain’s ability to calm ourselves down when stressed. Like with physical exercise, the more we build our mental muscles, the stronger they are. Meditation helps high performers stop over-identifying with their “doing”, and learn to enjoy just “being”. Meditation is the best preparation for action because it helps you think clearly. There are all different ways to meditate, including standing, walking, or dance meditations. Use different techniques to achieve different results or meet your personal preference. Start small, with only two minutes a day of meditation, and build up. It shouldn’t be a burden, but a pleasure. See what feels good. Meditation can be done at any time of day, but most people are successful when they build it into a daily routine. Consider adding meditation first thing after waking up or last thing before going to bed. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

While everyone approaches their work with a different mindset, there’s one factor that can heavily influence the mindset you bring to work: your generation. From Gen X, to Millennials, to Gen Z, different generations can bring unique perspectives to a workplace that can lead to communication and cultural differences. To work together effectively, it’s important for individuals to recognize and respect each other’s experiences and strengths, and share their unique knowledge with each other. Today’s guest is Vivek Iyyani. Vivek is a professional speaker and author. He's written 3 books on Millennials and consults to Fortune 500 organizations to bridge the generational gap within their teams. We talk about what managers can learn from Millenials and Gen Z, and what those generations can learn from older generations, too, all in service of making the workplace healthier and stronger for all of us. Members of the Modern Manager community can win 1 giveaway copy of Vivek’s book, The Millennial Leader. In a new age of leadership, millennial leaders face the ultimate challenge of overcoming generational differences, reverse ageism, motivating an isolated, remote, gig and burnt-out workforce, while juggling all the responsibilities and expectations as a leader. This book is the ultimate guide for any Millennial who’s moving into management. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: What Boomers and Millennials Can Learn From Each Other at Work   KEEP UP WITH VIVEK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millennialexpertasia Website: https://www.vivekiyyani.com/    Key Takeaways: Millennials prefer new technology and focus on doing things more efficiently. This may be mislabeled as being “lazy”. Incorporating new technology or learning new processes (even if more efficient) can slow down Boomers, which is often why they resist new methods.  Balance new technology with helping everyone master it at their own pace. Ask with curiosity why processes or workflows are the way they are. Millennials text more than talk, which can cause communication breakdowns. They can learn from Boomers the soft skills of having difficult conversations. Ghosting at work happens when uncomfortable conversations are avoided. Conflict-avoidant behavior negatively impacts team culture because it stops constructive feedback.  Blue Tick Anxiety happens when two blue check marks show that a text message has been received and read, but there is no response. The sender may waste time worrying what they did wrong instead of being patient or just picking up the phone.  Be clear about norms and expectations for communication, including response times. Older generations may have a “Toxic Badge of Honor” where they discount workplace complaints because they felt they had it so much worse when they were younger. All problems should be heard and honored. Always strive towards better work conditions.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Teams are the backbone of organizations. When functioning well, team members feel a sense of belonging, while maximizing their collective resources and skills to accomplish the organizations’ goals. In addition, effective teams will enable organizations to become more efficient and productive. Therefore, the leader of every team must ask: Is my team performing effectively? If not, where do they need to improve, and how can I guide them to success? Today’s guest is Dave Gloss. Dave is the Head of Team Effectiveness at AIIR Consulting, leading a global practice dedicated to building high-performing and inclusive company cultures. As an expert Team Consultant, Dave has worked with hundreds of Senior Leadership Teams to assess their companies and identify the root causes of underperformance and low engagement. As such, he is the go-to partner when you need to integrate cultures following complex mergers & acquisitions, design thriving hybrid workforces and cascade new "ways of working" across your teams.  Dave and I talk about team effectiveness - what it is, the components of what makes for strong team performance, how you can use operating principles to help your team more quickly adopt better behaviors and so much more.  Members of the Modern Manager community get access to 2 bonuses this week. The first is a free assessment: AIIR Team Effectiveness Survey. This assessment will help you get a better understanding of your team’s strengths, weaknesses, and ways of working. The second bonus is 50% off the AIIR Team Effectiveness Certification, where you will learn to quickly diagnose the root causes of any team challenge. Get these when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: How to Improve Your Team’s Effectiveness   KEEP UP WITH DAVE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkgloss/ Website: https://aiirconsulting.com/   Key Takeaways: Team Productivity + Team Culture = Team Performance.  Team productivity measures how efficiently and effectively the team gets work done. Team culture measures how team members interact and relate to one another. Team performance is a team’s ability to maximize its potential and fulfill its purpose. Strong culture + high productivity = high performing team. Strong culture + low productivity = comfortable (but not as effective) team. Weak culture + high productivity = a team with high turnover and burnout.  There are six components to team performance, three in each category of productivity and culture. Teams need shared clarity and alignment on why they specifically exist. This sets the stage for everything else.  To build a stronger culture, consider goals of trust and belonging before strategy and tactics (events).  Get collective and individual feedback via assessments to see how everyone feels about the team’s effectiveness. Often there isn’t a shared experience across the board. Include personality assessments to gain insight into why things might not be working. Boil insights  from assessments into manageable, actionable steps.  Create shared shorthand language - terms or phrases - to disrupt old, ineffective ways of working and quickly shift into more productive habits.  Clarity of purpose and culture will build a strong foundation for when team dynamics shift after losing/adding people.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Why does your team exist? What is the deeper purpose behind the list of tasks you accomplish each day? Without a clear, defined purpose, teams will lack inspiration and focus. This can lead to team members feeling unmotivated, reducing productivity and morale. Furthermore, how can you set goals and develop strategies to achieve them when you don’t have a vision for your work?  Today’s guest is Ranjay Gulati. He is the author of the book Deep Purpose: The Heart and Soul of High-Performance Companies. As an educator and researcher, he is passionate about how to unlock organizational and individual potential. Ranjay and I talk about Purpose. What organizational purpose is and isn’t, why it's so powerful when done right, how to connect individual purpose to the organization and the magic that happens when you go from satisfied employees to truly inspired ones. Members of the Modern Manager community get a chance to win 1 of 3 free copies of Ranjay’s book, Deep Purpose: The Heart and Soul of High-Performance Companies. A revolutionary approach to business exists, one that delivers game-changing results for companies of all sizes: the serious and deep pursuit of purpose. This book shows the possibility of embedding purpose as a radically new operating system for your business. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.    Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: What It Really Means To Have a Company Purpose   KEEP UP WITH RANJAY Website: Deeppurpose.net LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ranjay-gulati   Key Takeaways: A purpose is an intention to accomplish something meaningful to the self that has consequences for the world beyond the self. While the idea of individual purpose has been around for thousands of years, company purpose is a relatively new concept.  A company purpose is the “why” behind your mission statement: why you exist, who you’re impacting, and the strategy to accomplish it.  A deep company purpose trickles down to all areas of the office, including strategies, resource allocation, hiring and promotion, DEI, and measuring success.  Purpose is not “charity”, but a long term value that should include profitability. Make sure all your stakeholders benefit from your purpose.  By making decisions aligned with your purpose, you may have to make short term trade-offs that will lead to long term success.  Your team needs to understand how what they’re doing matters and contributes to the company purpose.  To help your team understand their own purpose and how it connects to the company’s, you first need to know them. Focus on “caring leadership” by building trust and connection over time.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

A positive workplace culture can be the difference between a thriving and barely surviving team; between people staying because they love their job and people eagerly searching to work somewhere else. When managers create an environment that is welcoming, trusting, and encourages creativity and feedback, people will find more overall satisfaction in their work. But how does a manager actually create this type of culture, especially on remote teams?  Today’s guest is Abhishek Nayak. As a co-founder and CEO of four startups, one of which was funded by Sequoia Capital, Abhishek is well-versed in the art of starting and scaling a business. But during a stint as an entrepreneur-in-residence at Accel, he discovered how much time engineers spend building internal applications, so he and two co-founders created Appsmith to put customizable app tools directly into developers’ hands. The once-small, open-source project is now used by over 10,000 teams, employs people in sixteen countries, and has raised over $51 million in capital. Abishek and I talk about how he’s built an incredible team and culture for his fully remote business. He shares the lessons he’s learned and steps he’s taken to support his people along the journey from a small co-located team, through the disruption of COVID, to a fully remote, global company with over 120 employees. Members of the Modern Manager community get a Template and Guidelines for Requesting Feedback. This internal document is used by Appsmith to guide employee feedback. Outlining feedback guidelines and questions for specific feedback outcomes, this resource can help any manager give and receive more valuable feedback. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: Do These Five Things to Effectively Manage a Remote Team   KEEP UP WITH ABHISHEK Website: Appsmith.com Twitter: twitter.com/arey_abhishek LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/abhisheknayak/ Email: [email protected]    Key Takeaways: Know the advantages of remote work, including more focus time, a larger talent pool, and better customer service availability. Invest in technology that provides the ability to virtually collaborate and takes advantage of the benefits of virtual work such as anonymous input and democratized participation in meetings.  If possible, help your team members set up a home office or provide a stipend for an office co-working space.  Give your team members autonomy, and hire for self-directedness.  Let your staff choose projects they enjoy and set their own deadlines. Review their plans and check in regularly to ensure accountability. Discuss post-project what could have been done differently to foster additional accountability and long-term continuous improvement.  Create an atmosphere of honesty by being receptive to your team’s dissenting or critical feedback. Share publicly when feedback has changed your mind.  Your organization is an organism that is constantly evolving. With each new team member, expect the dynamics to shift. Observe your teammates' communication and cultural style to understand ways to create a more accepting culture.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

As managers, emotional intelligence plays an important role in how you interact with your team and make decisions. Being aware of your capabilities, motivations and emotions, and knowing how to act on them, enables you to connect with your colleagues and build a trusting relationship. High emotional intelligence enables managers to more easily accomplish those goals, helping both you and your people thrive at work. Today’s guest is Robin Hill. Robin is the director of Ei4Change, a company specializing in educational training, coaching and personal development focused around emotional intelligence, positive psychology and neuroscience. He has taught over 300,000 people in more than 195 countries how to build resilience, increased self-awareness and understanding of others. Robin and I talk about emotional intelligence. He breaks down the components of EQ, including how to better understand yourself so you can develop your emotional intelligence skill set. Members of the Modern Manager community get Robin’s ‘Working with Mindfulness’ Course, typically $49, for free. The ‘Working with Mindfulness’ course supports the development of a manager’s emotional intelligence by helping them to work more effectively with mindfulness. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community. Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How Managers Can Build Their Emotional Intelligence Skill Set   KEEP UP WITH ROBIN Website: https://ei4change.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EI4Change/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ei4Change LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinhills/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ei4change/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBBxGskYxL0wnRfuyz_wHZA/feed   Key Takeaways: Emotional intelligence is the ability to use your thoughts and emotions to make quality decisions and build relationships.  The five elements to emotional intelligence are self awareness, self regulation, empathy, communication, and motivation.  Self awareness is understanding your strengths and weaknesses. Use an assessment tool like Myers Briggs to learn what you bring to the table and become more aware of how others may differ from you.  New managers need to be patient with themselves as they gain the skills of EQ over time. Don’t be afraid of reaching out for support along the way.  Self regulation is working with and managing emotions, so that you can make informed choices about how to behave.  Anger and frustration are the most common emotions in the workplace. They tend to arise when one of our core values is being transgressed or when confronted with our limitations. Understand your hot button issues to address and reset situations. Become aware of your physical cues for anger so you can employ strategies in those moments to calm yourself down.  Empathy is seeing things from others’ perspectives, and communication is combining empathy with social skills to connect effectively with others.  Happiness is not the goal; we want people to feel challenged and appreciated. Communicate how pleased and grateful you are for their work.  Motivation is the most overlooked element of EQ. Motivation can come internally and externally, and may change depending on many factors, including the time of day. We need to motivate ourselves to develop and use EQ to work most effectively with others.  Additional Resources: Work with Mamie to understand your personality and preferences with the Type-Coach Myers Briggs assessment. Email [email protected] to learn more and for pricing. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

When a crisis hits someone’s life, the effects aren’t limited to home. Personal, communal, or even global crises can have a significant impact on someone’s stress levels. In situations where a crisis or tragedy has occurred, there’s likely little you can do to ‘fix’ the situation; however, there are steps every manager can take to help support their team members during these difficult and uncertain times. Today’s guest is Holly Welch Stubbing. Holly currently serves as President and CEO of E4E Relief. She has over 25 years of experience in HR, endowment investments and disaster relief. Her organization E4E Relief is an employee relief fund that works with global companies like Salesforce and Wells Fargo to relieve employees when it’s needed most. Holly also serves on the Forbes Human Resources Council and shares her philanthropic vision with fellow executives. She is a thought leader in ESG, philanthropy, and corporate social responsibility and speaks on ESG investment portfolios and strategies, CSR strategies, philanthropy, social enterprise and tax-exempt legal matters. Holly and I talk about how we as managers can best support our colleagues when a tragedy occurs - this could be a natural disaster, a death in the family, political upheaval in their city. She shares what employees care about, what we can do, and why it’s important to support people through these difficult moments.  Members of the Modern Manager community get a Free Disaster Worksheet, “Things to Consider When Responding to a Crisis.” This worksheet will lay out the stakeholders (employees, communities, etc.) to consider, partners to establish, and funding to set aside for navigating an unforeseen event impacting your people or your business. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How to Support Your Team in Times of Crisis   KEEP UP WITH HOLLY Website: https://employeerelieffund.org/   Key Takeaways: Since the pandemic, managers are taking on more responsibility to support their teams during times of crisis. Personal, local, national, and global crises can have a significant impact on people. This includes a death in the family, political unrest, natural disasters (flooding, fires, hurricanes, etc), violence in a community, and more.  Update or create a comprehensive benefits plan that includes crisis support, mental health, and hybrid/flexibility needs.  Make sure employees in all locations receive benefits they need to navigate a crisis. One size doesn’t fit all.  Keep tabs on local crises affecting teammates, possibly as an HR role. Schedule weekly team meetings to learn about teammates’ issues.  Brainstorm with teammates how you can lean in and support each other during difficult times. Words and tokens of support help vulnerable teammates feel less alone and wanting to stay in the company. Go to HR to see what relief grants and other resources are available. When a colleague is overwhelmed dealing with a crisis, help out by filling out paperwork or doing research to ensure they get the needed assistance.  Additional Resources: Get an extended free 30-day trial of Sunsama. Learn more about Sunsama and why I love it in episode 217: Plan Your Day with Ashutosh Priyadarshy [email protected]/mamieks

Of all the mindset tips and tricks, there is one aspect that is often overlooked: the questions we ask ourselves. Questions have the potential to shift conversations, open new ideas, and broaden understanding. The thoughts we have are in response to the questions we ask ourselves, often without conscious thought. Managers can learn how to use these internal questions as a tool to transform difficult relationships, spark creativity, reduce stress, and much more.  Today’s guest is Dr. Marilee Adams. Marilee is an award-winning author and pioneer in the fields of inquiry-based coaching, leadership and organizational culture. She is CEO/Founder of the Inquiry Institute, a solutions and performance-focused company providing consulting, coaching, training, keynotes and eLearning. She is the author of the best selling book Change Your Questions, Change Your Life: 12 Powerful Tools for Leadership, Coaching and Results. Marilee and I talk about the powerful questions we ask (without even realizing it) that shape our thoughts and actions. We get into what you can do to recognize these questions and start to change them, so you can truly transform your relationships and really, your life. Members of the Modern Manager community get a $10 Discount on The Choice Map Course. The Choice Map is your roadmap to creating a foundational awareness of your mindsets and questions. It will help you to live predominantly on the Learner mindset path, or ‘Learner Living’. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community or become a member of the Skills Accelerator.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How to Ask Yourself the Right Questions   KEEP UP WITH MARILEE Website: https://inquiryinstitute.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/marileeadams Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/questionthinking Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marileeadams Institute LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inquiryinstitute/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/InquiryInst   Key Takeaways: Our inner dialogue is a series of responses to questions we ask ourselves. We are either in Learner or Judger mindset. The Learner Mindset thinks win-win. It is open to possibilities. It asks “What’s my responsibility?” and “What would help my team thrive?” and “What is possible right now?” The Judger Mindset thinks win-lose. It is critical of the self and others, seeing few possibilities. It asks “Who’s to blame?” and “What’s wrong with me (them)?” We all have Learner and Judger mindsets and will flow back and forth between them all day. To switch from Judger to Learner, start with awareness of how you’re thinking. Ask ‘switching questions’ such as “Is this what I want?” and “How else might I approach this?” Fear or denial of your Judger will be counterproductive. Listen to how it shows up in you—what questions it asks and how your body responds. It helps to calm down your body before switching to Learner.  These techniques work for all aspects of our lives: at home and work, to improve relationships, creativity and problem solving, to reduce stress and more. [email protected]/mamieks

Developing a remote work culture is a crucial step for businesses to take in today’s workplace landscape. However, developing a remote work culture requires different skills and practices than an in-person culture. The majority of people working remotely report struggling to maintain their work friendships and feeling distant from their work. It’s up to managers to cultivate a remote culture that is inclusive and engaging—despite the distance. Today’s guest is Kapil Kale. Kapil is the co-founder and COO of Tremendous. Kapil previously co-founded GiftRocket, an online gift card company that went through Y Combinator and became profitable. Prior to that, he worked as a Senior Associate Consultant at Bain & Company and also worked as a Portfolio Team member at Insight Venture Partners.  Kapil and I talk about building a remote-first culture. We get into ways to build trust, foster deep relationships, manage accountability, and so much more. Members of the Modern Manager community get a $100 reward for a $1,000 Tremendous purchase. Tremendous is the simplest way for businesses to send money to people. Managers can offer employees more than 800 redemption options, from gift cards to donations to cash. Get this bonus when you join the Modern Manager community or The Modern Manager Skills Accelerator.    Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: Strengthen Your Team’s Capability for Remote Work   KEEP UP WITH KAPIL Website: https://www.tremendous.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/gotremendous LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tremendous-rewards/   Key Takeaways: Explain to your team the reasons why you’re choosing a remote work setup. Think through the skillsets your team members need for remote workers including good written communication and self management. With remote work, we lose the opportunity to organically build casual relationships, like those ‘watercooler’ conversations.  Supercharge work relationships by engineering offsite events. Make sure these retreats focus only on having fun and not anything work-related. Encourage teammates who struggle with remote work to spend part of their time in a shared office setting.  Those who haven’t developed the skills needed to effectively complete a task or responsibility, such as those new to a role, might benefit from being in person early on.  Find creative ways to celebrate and recognize employees, whether through in person events or virtual channels.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

You probably know the feeling of ‘there’s an elephant in the room’ and no one wants to address it. But letting things go unspoken creates problems in the workplace. This is true of the large and small things. Are you letting the ‘mice in the room’ go unaddressed because they’re just not a big deal? By raising small issues, we are able to address potential areas of concern before they become bigger problems. Plus, by acknowledging these small things, we’re able to better understand one another. Today’s guest is David Wood. After life as a consulting actuary to Fortune 100 Companies, David built the world’s largest coaching business, becoming #1 on Google for “life coaching”. He believes the tough conversations we avoid are our doorways to confidence, success and even love - in both work and life. David coaches high performing entrepreneurs, executives and teams - and even prison inmates - to amazing results AND connection. One conversation at a time. David and I talk about the lessons in his book Mouse in the Room. He explains the concept, shares some of the common mice we experience and how to raise small issues so that we can have meaningful conversations. Members of the Modern Manager community get a free, personalized gift basket from David that includes a 15-minute Double Your Revenue Strategy call for qualifying businesses, the Online Double Your Revenue Replay, a cheat sheet, and the Mouse in the Room minibook. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How To Have Those Conversations Everyone Prefers To Avoid   KEEP UP WITH DAVID Website: https://focus.ceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/focus-ceo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ExtraordinaryFocuswithDavidWood Twitter: https://twitter.com/_focusceo Extraordinary Focus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/extraordinaryfocus Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playforrealll   Key Takeaways: We learn to avoid honesty as we grow up.  The conversations we’re afraid to have are the ones necessary to deepen our relationships.  We need to name the more subtle “mice in the room”. Unlike elephants that both parties are aware of, mice are the little issues that get in the way, but only one person is aware of. The ‘Storytelling Mouse’ makes assumptions about how others are acting. Check if these beliefs are true before taking them personally. Acknowledge your ‘Desire Mouse’ by asking, what do I really want?  What are you tolerating that’s quietly driving you crazy? This is your ‘Toleration Mouse’. Our ‘Mirror Mouse’ gives us insights into who we are and why we react in certain ways due to past experiences. When deciding whether to share a mouse in the room, go through the 3D’s of Discover, Decide, and Disarm. Discover what you feel. Decide if you can tolerate possible negative outcomes and if the potential positives are worth it. Disarm a defensive response by getting consent first. Share your worries and hopes and ask if it’s a good time to talk. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Managers often focus on creating work environments that cultivate inclusivity, productivity, and innovation - which are all important. However, when was the last time you intentionally created an environment for… joy? Turns out, when employees are joyful at work, they are more likely to be productive and work harder to achieve their goals. In fact, joy in the workplace can lead to a more successful team and a better working experience for everyone involved - and it’s up to the manager to create the conditions to make that happen. Today’s guest is. Akaya Windwood. Akaya advises, trains, and consults on how change happens individually, organizationally, and societally. She is on the faculty for the RSF Social Finance Integrated Capital Fellowship and is the founder of the New Universal, which centers human wisdom in the wisdom of Brown women. She was the president of Rockwood Leadership Institute for many years and directed the Mycelium Fund. Akaya and I talk about the bits of wisdom she and her co-author collected over the years on what it means to foster joy in the workplace and how you can too.   Members of the Modern Manager community get a chance to win 1 free copy of Akaya’s book, Leading with Joy. Sharing vignettes about the authors’ insights and stories and discussion questions to go along, Leading with Joy promotes a courageous and compassionate approach to leadership that can sustain purposeful action and social change. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How to Create a Joyful Work Atmosphere   KEEP UP WITH AKAYA Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeadingWithJoy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadingwithjoy/ Website: https://leadingwithjoybook.com/   Key Takeaways: We can’t force our team members to feel joy (nor is our responsibility to), but we can (and should) create the conditions for people to find joy.  Happiness is an emotion from an external experience while joy is a bodily sense from within.  We need to practice experiencing and discovering joy intentionally and mindfully.  Set aside time for conversations with colleagues about what joy means to them and how you might help foster joy in the workplace.  Micromanaging destroys trust and joy. Managers micromanage due to their own anxieties.  Remember to only do what is yours and trust others to do theirs. You don’t need to do it all. Approach colleagues first with what you appreciate of them. Then ask what support they need from you. This creates a culture of gratitude.  Imagine what it would feel like if people left interactions with you feeling appreciated and affirmed. Be intentional about the seeds you are sowing now. You never know what they will lead to in the future. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

We've all heard it a million times, especially as kids: "Be nice!" Most people have been taught that if you don't have something kind to say, don't say anything at all. However, what do you do when you have necessary feedback to give, but it's not positive? This is where radical candor comes into play. The goal is to always speak with both love AND truth - at the same time. Today’s guest is Kim Scott. Kim is the author of Just Work and Radical Candor. Kim was a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, and other tech companies. She was a member of the faculty at Apple University and before that led AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick teams at Google. Kim and I talk about how to give productive feedback using her famous Radical Candor model. We talk about why giving feedback is so important even if it's uncomfortable, and how to solicit feedback most effectively. Members of the Modern Manager community get 10% Off The Feedback Loop Course. Starring David Alan Grier, Kim Scott, and a cast of eccentric characters, The Feedback Loop workplace comedy series and e-course teach Radical Candor’s proven feedback framework in a way that's fresh, fun, and effective to improve your communication skills at work and in life. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: Give Your Team Members the Gift of Feedback   KEEP UP WITH KIM Radical Candor Website: www.radicalcandor.com Just Work Website: www.justworktogether.com Radical Candor Twitter: https://twitter.com/candor  Just Work Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustWorkBook Personal Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimballScott    Key Takeaways: The idea of radical candor is that you care personally and challenge directly at the same time. This means saying what needs to be said in a way that demonstrates caring while ensuring the other person clearly gets the message. Obnoxious aggression (being direct without caring), manipulative insincerity (being indirect without caring), and ruinous empathy (being indirect with caring) each fail to help someone receive the feedback they need to be successful in their role.  If you avoid giving feedback when things are small, they often snowball and then it’s much harder to give the feedback because it’s become huge. When you don’t give feedback, you are doing the other person a disservice. You are inhibiting them from the opportunity to grow, improve or change. If someone doesnt get the message, keep saying it in new ways that become more direct until they get it. You don't have to build this deep relationship with someone before you can offer radical candor. Caring personally just looks like noticing someone's humanity in the moment.  Ask for feedback by coming up with one specific question that you can regularly ask your people. Then pause long enough for them to answer. Then listen with the intent to understand, not respond. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Each person on the planet has a way of being and thinking that when tapped into feels both natural and fulfilling. This is called your inner genius. The goal for each person is to find their inner genius; the goal for each manager is to help people leverage this knowledge, to help them bring forth the genius that lies within each of us. Today’s guest is Catherine Mattiske. Catherine is a leading global business educator and author with 30 years of experience across industries, including banking, insurance, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and retail. She is the founder of TPC — The Performance Company, an international training and consulting organization that has worked with Fortune 100 companies worldwide. Catherine has authored more than 30 books, her latest being “Unlock Inner Genius: Power Your Path to Extraordinary Success”. Catherine and I talk about the inner genius concept. We get into how to find your inner genius, how to connect what you love to do outside of work and get the same state of flow while at work, the different genius archetypes, building a team that optimizes for inner genius, and much more.   Members of the Modern Manager community get 50% Off the Inner Genius Profile. Take the Inner Genius Profile to discover how you learn and communicate. The profile takes 10 minutes and will make the way you work, study, and communicate more efficient and effective. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community. Or, check out The Modern Manager Skills Accelerator. Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: Unlock the Power of the Inner Genius   KEEP UP WITH CATHERINE Inner Genius LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discover-your-inner-genius- Inner Genius Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geniusquotient/ Inner Genius Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/innergeniusnow Inner Genius Insta: https://www.instagram.com/innergeniusnow/ Catherine Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/catherinemattiske The Performance Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePerformanceCompany/ Catherine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/public/Catherine-Mattiske Catherine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinemattiske/?hl=en   Key Takeaways: When doing activities that align with our inner genius, we light up and get into a state of flow.  There are 12 different archetypes that fall into four categories of inner genius; the Big Whys, The Detailers, The Constructors, and the Inventors.  The Big Whys love working with people and asking inquisitive questions.  The Detailers are practical and efficient.  The Constructors take ideas and start building. The Inventors love dreaming up new ideas. They are cheerleaders pushing their team along.  Discover what your inner genius archetype is by reflecting on the activities that bring you to life. Deconstruct these activities and look for themes. Map out what different archetypes you have on your team. Consider how you might bring on advisors or new team members with different archetypes so that your team can benefit from the full range of genius types. Ask your team members what or how they want to contribute to a project rather than them assigning tasks.  We use language that mirrors how we process the world. Use language that corresponds to the archetype you are communicating with to better connect with them..  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Many studies have shown that the best and most innovative companies are those who embrace diversity and make an effort to recruit people with different personalities and different strengths. While some areas of diversity are visible, one in particular is not: neurodiversity. People who are neurodivergent have brain differences that affect how their brains work. As managers, it's up to us to be knowledgeable about neurodiversity and create work environments where neurodivergent people can be their truest and best selves.  Today’s guest is Genie Love. Genie has been trying to figure out how to stay focused and attentive, how to decrease procrastination, how to manage “to do” lists, and generally how to get things done her entire adult life. As an executive functioning coach, she brings her personal trial and error experience as well as 20 years of experience teaching high school students with ADD and Autism to help adults take control of their time and attention. Genie and I talk about what neurodiversity means and how our work environments help or hinder different ways people’s brains work. We get into strategies to help yourself and your team members to create workplaces that work for all different brains. One member of the Modern Manager community can get a 1.5-hour consulting session focused on simple strategies to support underutilized human assets in your organization. She will provide tips on the use of physical space, training in executive functioning, and strategies in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and retention in order to increase productivity and job satisfaction. Get this bonus and more when you join the Modern Manager community. Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How to Support Neurodivergent Team Members   KEEP UP WITH GENIE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genie-love-4b13451b8/ Website: https://genielove.coach/    Key Takeaways: Neuordivergent thinking is a spectrum of different ways of processing, communicating, and thinking. It includes ADHD, autism, and dyslexia among others.  Neurodivergent teammates may have trouble creating a work plan, getting ideas across verbally or in writing, or sitting still for long periods of time.  Consider how space impacts a person's ability to focus. Some people are sensitive to noise, lighting, visual distractions and furniture. Invest in seating options. When possible, provide options of a rigid chair, reclining chair, ball chair, or standing desk, each of which may be a good fit for an individual or can help at different energy levels or with types of work.  Create a time for colleagues to share what their needs are or what might help them engage more fully.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Work and home life are not two distinct worlds. Despite the concept of work-life balance, they are inextricably intertwined. What’s happening at home often affects us at work, and vice versa. While we can’t close off those two worlds from each other, there are practices we can put in place to help us process personal situations and still show up to work as our best selves. Today’s guest is Andrea Liebross. Andrea is a coach, speaker, podcast host, and soon to be published author who is known for helping bold, ambitious women make clear, confident decisions, so that they get exactly what they want, every time, and not just add another thing to their to-do list. Over the last few decades, Andrea has started three successful businesses and ultimately became a certified business and life coach. Andrea and I talk about how to leave the stress of home at home. We get into strategies for helping yourself and your team better manage through stressful times, collaborate and support each other, and show up as your best selves. Members of the Modern Manager community get $100 off Full Focus coaching AND free access to the 5 Days to Clear Thinking challenge. In 30 days, Full Focus coaching will give you the tools and thinking you need to become fully focused and stop procrastinating. The 5 Days to Clear Thinking Challenge will help you clean up your mind so you can be truly ready and able to plan and organize. Get them when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How to Manage Stress From Home While at Work   KEEP UP WITH ANDREA Website: www.andreaslinks.com Podcast: https://pod.link/timetolevelup   Key Takeaways: Just as work stress comes home with us, the stress of home life impacts our work life.  To shift from ‘Stuck Stress’ to ‘Productive Stress’, become solution focused. Stop worrying about what might happen that you don’t have control over and instead focus on what you can do. Share the facts and frame your experience by including the negative and positive parts of the stressful situation.  Sharing what’s going on for us takes out the drama of coworkers guessing what’s going on. We tend to make up stories or assumptions to explain behavior which often is incorrect and has negative consequences. Coworkers will feel more compassionate and generous towards you if they know what’s happening.  We all have manuals for how we expect work life to be. When our individual expectations conflict, problems arise. Sharing how you respond to stress gives colleagues insight into how you work so they can best support you.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Goals are the backbone of our teams. Around this time of year, businesses and individuals often set goals for themselves, but not all goals are created equally. Truly effective goals are strategic plans for the entire year that guide us in the direction of our dreams; they help managers focus a team’s efforts and achieve maximum success.  Today’s guest is Hilary DeCesare. Hilary is an award-winning business expert, esteemed author, and pioneer of female powerhouses in Silicon Valley. As a sought-after speaker, founder of The Relaunch Co., and one of the first women to create a quarter of a billion dollars in revenue for the tech giant Oracle, Hilary brings fresh energy to industry leaders, CEOs, and solopreneurs. She is widely recognized for her work in neuropsychology as it relates to business and life, and holds several certifications from top practitioners in the field.  Hilary and I talk about her ROCK-IT goal setting process. She shares how to work backwards to make goals manageable, the mindset needed to accomplish big goals, and basically all things goals related. Members of the Modern Manager community get access to Hilary’s free webinar, Rock-it Your Way to Success in 2023. In this 60-minute workshop, you'll get the goal setting framework that has been proven to work for over 25+ years, without adding more to your already overflowing plate. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How to Set Goals That You Actually Achieve   KEEP UP WITH HILARY Website: https://therelaunchco.com/ Business Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReLaunchCo/ Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilary.howarddecesare Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therelaunchco/?hl=en Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilarydecesare/?hl=en LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilarydecesare Twitter https://twitter.com/hilarydecesare?lang=en   Key Takeaways: Know your endpoint. Consider scary and crazy (scazy) dreams and make goals for them.  Think ahead to your goal in 12 months. Then work backwards to first quarter goals based on your year goal. Break this down further into monthly, weekly, and daily goals.  Empowering beliefs help us reach goals. What we believe about ourselves impacts what we believe we can accomplish and therefore what we actually accomplish. Those with an empowered identity operate at a higher energy that others resonate with. For each goal, brainstorm actions you could take to accomplish it and focus on implementing what pops out at you. You don’t have to do everything! Consider the answer (where you want to go) before the question (what you need to get there, including self beliefs).  To avoid burnout, don’t take on too much too soon. Prioritize no more than three goals at a time. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

It's that time of year again. Holidays are coming up, and while some messages and practices will be perfect for your team members' individual needs, others won't match up with their values, beliefs, or lifestyles. Despite the busyness of this season, it's crucial for managers to consider how all people may be experiencing the upcoming holidays. With intentionality, managers can create an environment where people of all beliefs and practices can feel seen and included. Today’s guest is Dr. Jen O’Ryan. Jen is a consulting editor specializing in Inclusion, Diversity, and Representation. She works with organizations to design content, culture, and processes that are welcoming and inclusive. Jen has a PhD in Human Behavior and her background in tech includes designing new experiences for customers, launching global initiatives, and leading organizational change. Jen and I talk about the hidden places that bias shows up and how we may be unintentionally setting up barriers or making things challenging for our colleagues, and of course, what to do about it. We also go deep on how to be thoughtful about the end of year holidays which can have religious undertones and bring up lots of feelings for folks.  Members of the Modern Manager community can get 1 of 3 copies of Jen’s book, Inclusive AF: A Field Guide for “Accidental” Diversity Experts. Designed for anyone thinking about Inclusion and Diversity, AF outlines a roadmap to safely introduce meaningful and lasting change. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: Design an Inclusive Holiday Party (or Anything, Really!)   KEEP UP WITH JEN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenoryan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pagingdrjen/ Website: https://www.pagingdrjen.com/    Key Takeaways: Create an atmosphere of psychological safety so that your team willingly gives honest feedback. Be vulnerable and admit mistakes. Keep your door open for questions or input. Ask if things work for them. When designing a party (or product, marketing materials, etc), consider how different people would experience it. Imagine different ways of being in the world and what people would need.  Invite your team to share what holidays they celebrate and what they need to feel supported, either with time off, language used, or anything else.  Educate yourself on the different holidays. Bring in experts for objective knowledge and don’t make assumptions about how people practice or observe various holidays. The holiday season may bring up grief or difficult emotions for those estranged from loved ones. Some people may be less celebratory and need extra support during this time. Ask your team what accomplishments they are celebrating at the end of the year. Make this the focus, imagery, and language associated with your party rather than a religious lens. [email protected]/mamieks

Human beings are creatures of habit. Just watch a child or animal go through their daily routines and you can see that habits are deeply ingrained in our biology. While we’re often aware of some habits, others happen regularly without us ever realizing them. Maintaining good habits, identifying bad habits, and building new ones all take determination and perseverance. Today’s guest is Dr. Jon Finn. Dr. Jon founded the award-winning Tougher Minds consultancy and has three psychology-related degrees, including a PhD. He has worked in performance psychology, resilience, and leadership science for over 20 years. Dr. Finn wrote his best-selling book ‘The Habit Mechanic’ (which took him over 20 years to compose) because his life’s mission is to help people to be their best in the challenging modern world. Dr. Finn and I speak about what it is to be a habit mechanic, why habits are so important, the role of social acceptance in driving our habits, how to manage your super habits and destructive habits, and a lot more.   Members of the Modern Manager community can win a free 12 month ‘At Your Best’ premium subscription membership. You will quickly learn how to feel better, do better and lead better. To learn more access the free version of the app here: https://www.tougherminds.co.uk/habit-mechanic-app/. Get this bonus and many more when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: Understand Your Brain to be Successful at Work   KEEP UP WITH DR. FINN Website: https://www.tougherminds.co.uk/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jon-finn Get 'The Habit Mechanic' book here: https://geni.us/TheHabitMechanic   Key Takeaways: A manager’s most important resource is their team’s habits. Habits account for 98% of our thoughts and actions. Neuroplasticity teaches that our brains are always changing based on what we think and do. We need at least a 3:1 ratio of positive to negative feedback for psychological safety, or even more positive if the negative feels extra heavy.  We procrastinate with big tasks because we’re hardwired to conserve energy, and thinking takes energy.  The part of our brain related to thirst and hunger also relates to social status. Social acceptance is a primary need.  Super habits are habits that have a disproportionately positive impact while destructive habits lead to disproportionately negative impact. Self monitor behavior to determine what action to build up individually. Monitor your progress by creating a SWAP, Self Watching Action Plan. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Obstacles come in many forms. They can be physical (withholding us from being somewhere or doing something we want to do), mental (making us believe we're not capable of achieving), or emotional (adding undue stress, fatigue, or other burdens to our minds). No matter what obstacles you're facing, moving through them is possible with dedication, determination, and the right mindset. You’d be amazed by what you can achieve! Today’s guest is Joel Green. Joel is CEO of Pro Level Training, the National Director of Nike Sports Camps, a former professional basketball player, and a renowned motivational speaker. A thought leader in the motivational category, Joel Green has developed a reputation for personal excellence and motivational talks that contribute tangible advice for attaining desired goals. Many of the messages he has delivered are conveyed in his first book, Filtering: The Way to Extract Strength from the Struggle, which was released on September 6th. Joel and I talk about how to overcome obstacles or difficult moments. We get into the importance of perspective, how to get yourself to do what it takes, and a lot more insights from Joel’s experience as an athlete and successful businessman. Members of the Modern Manager community get a special set of graphics with mindset messages that you can use as the background for your computer, your phone, or print out as mini-posters in your workspace. Get this bonus and more when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How to Get Your Team From Ordinary to Extraordinary   KEEP UP WITH JOEL Website: https://www.joelbgreen.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jaygreenplt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-green-95340417/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joel.green.35   Key Takeaways: To deal with overwhelming emotions, practice “filtering” by breaking things down in order to help you manage your feelings. Breathe for 30 seconds to gain control rather than feel reactive. Then lean into the emotions by trying to learn from this challenge. Focus on yourself rather than your competition or what the world throws at you. “Prune” by reassessing what and who needs to be cut off/set aside to make space for new opportunities. Cut out unhelpful things/people in order to allow space for growth.  Fatigue is part of the process of growth. Embrace it by seeing fatigue as a sign that you’re on the path to accomplishing your goals.  Fulfillment comes from fighting through fatigue, knowing that many other people would have already given up. To be extraordinary, don’t settle for the bare minimum. Keep pushing yourself to do “just one more”. Small increments help us get past the hump.  Offer your team personal stories and inspirational quotes to encourage them to prune, filter, embrace the fatigue, and do just one more.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

In my years of working with managers, one of most frequent questions I get is this: How do I deal with conflict in my team? This dilemma can be approached from two perspectives. First, there are practices a team can adopt to help limit the number of conflicts that arise. Second, there are approaches a team can use to dissolve conflict quickly and effectively. Used together, these techniques can help any team become more cohesive and productive. Today’s guest is Hesha Abrams. With over 30 years of experience solving conflict and difficult problems, Hesha comes to the table as a world-renowned meditator, negotiator, and author. As an expert in conflict and pragmatic solutions, Hesha implements innovative approaches and thought-provoking solutions that obtain favorable outcomes for even the most complex conflicts, including mediating the case over the secret recipe for Pepsi. Hesha's popular new book, Holding The Calm shares her secrets on how to read a situation to solve problems, eliminate conflict, and restore harmony.  Hesha and I talk about what we do wrong that makes it harder to resolve conflicts and she shares some of her practical approaches to addressing conflict more effectively. We also get into how to help your team members resolve conflicts so you can foster stronger teamwork. Members of the Modern Manager community can get a free, 1-hour Zoom if The Modern Manager community together purchases 100 copies of Hesha’s book, Holding the Calm. This book shares key strategies and inspirational treasures to resolve disputes, settle cases, and re-channel arguments; buy it for yourself and your team! Get this bonus when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How to Hold the Calm when Dealing with Conflict   KEEP UP WITH HESHA Website: holdingthecalm.com   Key Takeaways: Conflict is like spilled spaghetti sauce; the sooner you deal with it, the easier it is.  When we don’t understand others, we label them negatively. Confirmation bias then looks for evidence for these negative beliefs of others which further cements our belief.  Try to find redeeming qualities of others or consider how they operate (introvert/extrovert, a kinesthetic/visual/auditory learner) to give yourself a more expansive view of their humanity. Think like a doctor when someone emotionally erupts on you. Instead of looking away, look closer to find clues about their pain.  Create a moat around yourself so that others’ emotions don’t overwhelm you. Repeat “Hold the calm” to remind your amygdala you’re safe.  VUCS others when they are upset by Validating their emotions, Understanding their perspective, Clarifying the situation, and Summarizing what you heard. This takes the wind out of the conflict. If colleagues are warring, meet with them privately. Help them find redeeming qualities of the other and share that positive information with them.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Look in any organization and you'll see a variety of leadership styles. One crucial aspect of leadership is staying true to yourself and what feels most natural to you as a leader, which means not trying to be all things to all people. Research has found that most leadership styles fit into one of four categories. Understanding these categories can help leaders stay true to themselves while enhancing their skills, building their careers, and achieving their organization’s goals. Today’s guest is Robert Jordan. Robert is the CEO of InterimExecs, which matches top executives with companies around the world. Based on research with thousands of leaders and companies, he and Olivia Wagner wrote "Right Leader Right Time: Discover Your Leadership Style for a Winning Career and Company," and have launched the FABS Leadership Assessment, a free assessment at RightLeader.com designed to help leaders and organizations perform better. Jordan also authored "How They Did It: Billion Dollar Insights from the Heart of America," and helped publish "Start With No," Jim Camp’s bestseller on negotiation. Robert and I talk about the four leadership styles, their strengths and optimal conditions in which each leadership style thrives, and how to think about your career to optimize your leadership potential. Members of the Modern Manager community can participate in a free, town-hall style webinar. In this webinar, Robert will give direct, real-time feedback on peoples’ leadership styles to help them grow personally and professionally. Get access when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: Use the Four Leadership Styles to Advance Your Work   KEEP UP WITH ROBERT Right Leader website: https://www.rightleader.com/ Interim Executives website: https://interimexecs.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/interim_execs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjjordan/   Key Takeaways: There are four types of leadership approaches; Fixers, Artists, Builders, and Strategists. Each archetype has skills, contexts, and motivators that enable it to thrive. The Fixer is drawn to broken organizations and crises. The Artist sees a project as a blank canvas. They will say or do what others won’t.  The Builder thrives in growing small teams/projects into something much larger. They get bored when scale is achieved. The Strategist loves working with large, complex teams. They have strong company loyalty and love mentorship opportunities.  Most leadership styles (except The Artist) are realized through experience as you go about your career. Pay attention to what excites you. Managers fail when they try to do everything. Secure leaders concentrate on strengths and let others take charge. Be careful not to overdo your strengths. A Fixer might create problems that don’t exist. Have your team take a FABS leadership assessment and share their findings for better collaboration. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Focus: It’s an important skill for the success of any organization or individual. While it's natural for anyone to get distracted by new ideas, potential projects, overwhelming to-do lists, and ongoing problems, learning how to focus can save us time and energy in the long-run. Today’s guest is Erik Qualman. Erik is five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Keynote Speaker who has performed in over 55 countries and reached over 50 million people. He was voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling. He is the host of the popular Super U Podcast and his work has been used by the National Guard to NBC Universal to NASA.  Erik and I talk about what it means to really be focused. He shares his lessons learned and best tips and tricks for how you and your team can accomplish great things simply by staying focused. Members of the Modern Manager community get a Buy One Get One Free deal on two of his products. The first is his Kittycorn card game, designed for any group to learn easily and have a great time. The second is his book, The Focus Project, designed to provide solutions to the challenge of focusing in an unfocused world. Get them both when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How To Focus So The Big Things Get Done   KEEP UP WITH ERIK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equalman/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/equalman TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@equalman.official Super U Podcast contact: [email protected]   Key Takeaways: Fear of failure disrupts focus. Remember that evaluated failure makes us better. Learn from mistakes. When you fix clients’ problems, they are 3 times more likely to be repeat customers.  People don’t love us because we’re perfect, but because we’re perfectly flawed. Aim to be “flawsome.” Trying to do too many things is almost always the wrong approach. Focus on crushing one thing, even if it requires you to cannibalize your own product line. When you add more tasks, subtract others so that you don’t overstuff your To Do list.  The Army Ant tries to do too much at once. Put one project on hold or label one “major” and focus on it first. The Squirrel loves shiny objects and has trouble completing tasks. Make a commitment not to move on to other work until you’ve completed your priority at hand. The Chameleon is a people pleaser who has difficulty saying no. Find little wins for saying no, ask yourself if this is what you want to be doing, and don’t guess what others want.  The Hedgehog is cautious about taking risks. Let go of perfectionism before moving forward. Do the Superhero pose to reduce cortisol and empower yourself. Be firm in your destination but flexible in your path. Let go of sunken costs, even if it’s hard to move on. Ask why you do things a certain way and if you can change. Go where the market and future opportunities are. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Whether you want to develop new products, update internal processes, or make sure that every client is satisfied with your service, one thing is true: you need to be clear about your goals. Without direction, you will lose your way. Direction comes from having a bold vision of what you want your life, team, and organization to look like. Then, you must create actionable steps to move forward. Today’s guest is Lisa McCarthy. Lisa is the CEO and co-founder of the Fast Forward Group, a training and executive coaching company based on the philosophy that when people are living their best lives, they do their best work. Clients include innovative companies of all sizes, including Amazon, Facebook, Google and JPMorgan Chase. Prior to launching Fast Forward, Lisa spent 25 years leading sales organizations at prominent media companies, including ViacomCBS and Univision. Lisa and I talk about goals and establishing a bold vision. She shares why goals like these are important and she walks us through her process that has helped over 100,000 people achieve their big dreams. Members of the Modern Manager community get two FREE months of Lisa’s Fast Forward membership program, which has helped thousands of professionals play big, manage stress, and achieve extraordinary success. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: Set Big Goals With Your Team   KEEP UP WITH LISA Membership Website: https://fastforwardgroup.net/ Personal Website: https://lisamccarthy.co/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamccarthyffg/   Key Takeaways: We resist goal setting because we’re risk averse; we’d rather underpromise and overdeliver. To encourage thinking big, managers must assure their team that there won’t be any negative consequences if expectations aren’t reached. Challenge self-limiting beliefs (I’m not X enough, I don’t have the right background, etc) that stop you from dreaming of your future.  Create a vision of where you want to be in a year. What does “extraordinary success” look like?  Reflect on your qualities. What are you known for in your professional and personal life? What are your most important relationships like? Are these what you want them to be? Make goals bold, specific, and measurable. Avoid vague terms like “better” and “more”.  Be as detailed as possible. What would be accomplished? How would you feel? Write out 2 pages for your vision. Have each team member individually create a vision and goals. Then share at a team meeting to build accountability and support.  Consider a team vision. What would success look like? What kind of language would you use? Additional Resources: Fast Forward’s monthly free intro workshops: https://fastforwardgroup.net/free-leadership-workshops/ Fast Foward’s Bold Vision Exercise download: https://fastforwardgroup.net/bold-vision-exercise-download/ Fast Foward’s Design my Program tool: https://fastforwardgroup.net/design-my-program/ [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Management is about helping other people achieve greatness - in the results they produce and the career path they take. However, if you've had any experience as a manager, you know how difficult it can be to help a variety of people develop their skill sets and get work done, all while fostering healthy team dynamics and driving towards goals. It helps to know the specific areas you should focus on to help your team grow most efficiently with the limited time you have. Today’s guest is Russ Laraway. Russ has had a diverse 28 year operational management career. He was a Company Commander in the Marine Corps before starting his first company, Pathfinders. From there, Russ went to the Wharton School, and then onto management roles at Google and Twitter. He then co-founded Candor, Inc., along with best selling author Kim Scott. Russ and I talk about what he’s discovered through research are the most important areas of focus for a manager. We get into why it's so hard to be a great manager, and what you can do to immediately put Russ’s finding to work for your team. One member of the Modern Manager community can get a copy of Russ’s book: When They Win, You Win. Russ provides a handbook for managers on how to implement The Big 3 - a surprisingly simple, coherent leadership approach that measurably and predictably delivers more engaged employees and better business results. To be eligible, join the Modern Manager community as a Patron or sign up for The Modern Manager Skills Accelerator.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and transcripts delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: Simplify Management by Focusing on These Three Areas   KEEP UP WITH RUSS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whentheywin  Twitter: https://twitter.com/theywinyouwin  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theywinyouwin/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russlaraway/    Key Takeaways: Research has proven that more engaged employees deliver 2.5 times more revenue.  Managers may feel overwhelmed by deciding what advice to follow. Simplify management by focusing on direction, coaching, and career. Develop direction by clarifying your long-term purpose and vision, and short-term quarterly goals.  Reduce workload by prioritizing daily and weekly tasks.  Hold Stand Up Meetings where everyone shares their weekly goals and use a Slack bot to prompt employees to enter daily goals.  Serve as a coach to your team members to help them deliver stronger results and better behaviors. Desired behaviors are those aligned with your organizational or team core values. Encourage your team to either repeat successful behaviors or understand what they need to change.  Avoid vague feedback. Use the phrase “Do you know what I love about your…” to encourage positive behaviors. We are here to assist our teammates realize their wildest dreams, not just do well in their current role. Help your people develop their long term vision of where they ultimately want to end up.  Look for opportunities to help them grow and advance in alignment with that vision. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Anyone who's worked on a team knows that communication can be a challenge. Sometimes, common problems require creative solutions. Improv is a powerful tool that brings out the best in any group or team. It’s not just for comedians; it can be used to create new ideas, solve problems, explore feelings, and connect with each other. Today’s guest is Brian Rolnick-Fox, the Founder, CEO, and Chief Evangelist of Nimble Learning Strategies. Brian has been using improvisation as a channel for individual growth, group development, and organizational success since 1999. He has delivered communication and leadership programs for a diverse set of organizations from Fortune 100 companies to educational institutions some of which include Citibank, Goodyear, Dartmouth College, and Harvard Business School.   Brian and I talk about what we can learn from the field of comedic improv to help us be better communicators. We get into specific behaviors, mindsets, principles and tactics that can help us connect and collaborate better, plus we have a whole lot of fun. Members of the Modern Manager community get a free Communication and Collaboration document from Nimble Learning Strategies. This document describes the three As of communication and how you can implement them to communicate more effectively in your daily life. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How Managers Can Use Improv Strategies to Improve Communications   KEEP UP WITH BRIAN Website: https://www.nimblelearningstrategies.com Company LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/nimblelearningstrategies Personal LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brianrolnickfox   Key Takeaways: We are always naturally improvising; we take in stimuli and respond to them in the moment.  Improv strategies can help us collaborate better by providing an opportunity to explicitly talk about how we communicate and collaborate. We often forget that people or departments have different perspectives and assume we’re all seeing the situation the same. Being specific in our language is essential to ensuring everyone is on the same page.  Participating in an improv game or activity can feel uncomfortable, but that’s an opportunity to acknowledge vulnerability and stretch yourself. Working in sync requires us to listen, watch, and adapt ourselves to others. Improv is successful because it’s grounded in the idea that “I’ve got your back” - whatever you do on stage, I’ll receive and take forward. We can cultivate the same atmosphere in our teams. Improv also creates opportunities to form inside jokes, strengthening a team’s sense of connection.  For specific improv activities to do with your team, check out the related blog article. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Authentic leadership is unique to each of us. It's about understanding and being comfortable with who you are so that you can leverage your strengths. We can then use that information to guide our choices and lift up those around us. When you understand your strengths and values, they can create a personal roadmap to success. Today’s guest is Lance Tanaka. Lance is an Executive Leadership Expert. He and his team elevate leaders and their teams to increase business production, performance and profits. Lance and I talk about lessons from his latest book Dream and Achieve: 90 Days to a life of purpose. We walk through the process that Lance and hundreds of others have used to help clarify their goals and take steps towards their desired future. Members of the Modern Manager community get 25% off Lance’s course, Dream & Achieve. This course has helped thousands of successful executives identify their purpose and move down the path to realizing it. Get this generous discount if you register before September 30, 2022. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Check out the new Modern Manager Skills Accelerator!   Read the related blog article: Carve a Path at Work That is Authentically You   KEEP UP WITH LANCE Website: lancetanaka360.com   Key Takeaways: Focus more time on honing your strengths rather than fixing your weaknesses. The DNA “Dream N’ Achieve” process is a 90 day journey of self discovery and charting a path forward. First, reflect on your strengths and passions. Then look for common themes, ideally no more than 9. Drill into those elements with who/what/where/when/why questions to further clarify what matters most to you. Do this DNA process as a team activity. Others often see our strengths better than we do. Trying to Find your “True North” may slow you down. Instead, create a balance between all your needs by going in the right direction and adjusting over time accordingly. There are three outcomes that result from following your DNA: (1) a big shift to a new company/career/city, (2) a sideways shift to a different team or role in the same company, or (3) minor shifts that lead to a major tipping point down the road. Employees need purpose. When you help them find their DNA, they may leave, but they may also have greater loyalty to a workplace that enables them to shine. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Microaggressions are harmful words and actions that stem from biases and stereotypes. They’re subconscious, meaning we may not even realize we’re being offensive or biased. The damage they inflict can be long-lasting and impact how individuals relate to us and the entire company. As managers, it's our responsibility to create a professional work environment that fosters understanding and listening, so all people can feel safe and supported at work. Today’s guest is Martine Kalaw. Martine is an Elevation Strategist - she shifts mindsets, builds bridges & delivers results. She is the author of Illegal Among Us, experienced being an undocumented immigrant, and is a DEI Consultant. Martine and I talk about how to confront, respond to and learn from uncomfortable DEI situations in the workplace. Maybe it’s something you said that landed the wrong way with a team member or maybe it’s something a colleague did that was insensitive or exclusionary. We talk about microaggressions and how to get smarter about your own behavior since so often we don’t even realize we’re creating harm. Members of the Modern Manager community can get a free 60-Minute Masterclass: Advancing DEI. Scheduled for September 22, this 60-minute class will give you the top five keys to advancing DEI in your workplace over the course of 90 days. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: What To Do About Microaggressions In The Workplace   KEEP UP WITH MARTINE Website: https://martinekalaw.com/ Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/MartineKalawEnterprisesLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinekalaw/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/martinekalawconsulting/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinekalaw  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQTb6zI5m4jehE-czyT8SvQ/featured   Key Takeaways: Microaggressions are actions or words that are unintentionally offensive, stemming from biases and stereotypes. 40% of people leave their jobs due to microaggressions. Microaggressions come from biases rather than personal encounters. The more diversity on the team, the fewer microaggressions.  Microaggressions are diminished when there’s more than one person from that background on a team. Set aside 10 minutes during 1-on-1 meetings to ask for feedback to learn if you said anything harmful or if the preson has experienced any harm.  When informed of a microaggression, don’t react defensively. You don’t need to agree to be an ally. Listen to understand rather than defending your honor. Engage in solutions together. Consider what could be said/done differently. Ask your employee’s permission to ask follow up questions so it doesn’t feel like an interrogation. If it’s not the right time, address it at a future date. Show vulnerability that you are on this DEI journey and admit your mistakes. Employees will respect you for your growth mindset.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Brainstorming is a method of developing ideas in a group setting. It's used to solve problems, come up with new ideas, and generally explore possibilities. While it may seem like a simple task, there’s often much more than meets the eye when it comes to effective brainstorming. Working through various exercises helps you not only generate ideas but also deeply understand the situation you are looking at.  Today's episode is about brainstorming. Almost every team, at some point, has a brainstorming session. While brainstorming can be as straightforward as “okay, what ideas do you have?” There are also different methods to help you make the most of your brainstorming time together, and that’s what I cover here. The full episode guide includes lists of prompts and suggested approaches for boosting your brainstorming sessions. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community or purchase the full guide at www.themodernmanager.com/shop.     Get the free mini-guide at themodernmanager.com/miniguides.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles, and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: 3 Brainstorming Strategies for Every Situation   Key Takeaways: Separate the idea generation from idea evaluation in order to facilitate creative thinking. Use the phrase “If I had a magic wand…” to help people avoid censoring their ideas based on what they think is feasible or will be viewed as “good” by their colleagues. Prepare specific prompts ahead of time to help get people thinking more broadly. For example, “How might we use our space differently?” or “What 1-time changes could we make?” or “What global trends might impact us?” Ask people to “wear specific hats” to get them to think from other people’s perspectives. For example, “how would Steve Jobs solve this problem?" Try iterating on a single idea to see if there is a version of that idea that is more feasible or more impactful. Give people time to brainstorm quietly on their own before sharing all ideas out loud.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Identifying the core values and potential motivators of your team members isn't always the easiest task. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to each individual personality, which makes for a delicate interpretation process. But optimizing your relationships with others comes down to understanding one thing: what on earth makes them tick? Today’s guest is Rob Toomey. As President of TypeCoach, Rob lives at the intersection of his two passions: personality type and entrepreneurship. Working with 800 global client organizations, he has delivered live sessions to more than 50,000 participants and the TypeCoach online tools have reached more than 185,000 people. Rob is also Managing Director of The Idea Factory which is focused on early stage app and website projects. Rob and I talk about the four temperaments - he’ll explain these better than I can in one sentence, but in essence we’re talking about the four different personality type core values and motivators. By identifying which of the four temperaments each of your team members identifies with, you’ll be able to use more effective strategies to motivate, appreciate and engage each person.  Members of the Modern Manager community get a free Motivation and Feedback document. This will help you gain new insight into what makes people tick and how to tailor your feedback differently to each of the four temperaments for maximum impact. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How To Motivate Your Employees Based on the 4 Temperaments   KEEP UP WITH ROB Website: Typecoach.com   Key Takeaways: Our temperament is our source of motivational energy.  There are 4 Temperaments based on categories of introversion/extroversion, judgers/perceivers, thinkers/feelers, sensory/intuitive.  Introversion/extroversion is whether we get energy from being alone or with others. Judging/Perceiving is how we prefer structure, whether playful or decisive planning. Sensory/Intuitive is how we take in and process information. Thinking/Feeling is whether we approach a situation through objective analysis or considering our feelings/values. The 4 Temperaments break down into Sensory Judgers, Sensory Perceivers, Intuitive Thinkers, and Intuitive Feelers. SJ (Sensory Judgers) are also known as Traditionalists. Their core values are reliability and responsibility. Don’t tell them to relax. If stressed, offer to take things off their plate.  SP (Sensory Perceivers) are more relaxed and playful about getting work done. Their core value is to take action and get results. Don’t micromanage SPs; they respond best to a free-spirited environment.  NTs (Intuitive Thinkers) are conceptual problem solvers who love long term strategic thinking. Their core value is leaving a positive impact. Give them context for why their work matters and benefits them. Don’t question their competency.  NFs ( Intuitive Feeler) are also known as The Idealists. They are future focused on new ideas, but are people and value-centered rather than analytical. NFs’ core values are helping others reach their full potential, and self actualizing in the process. Concentrate on building a strong environment of connection and belonging in the office for them to thrive. To figure out your team’s temperament, ask them what their motivational force is at work.  Experiment with giving teammates various feedback to see what most motivates them.  Be careful to remember individual temperament needs when stressed because that’s when we revert to personal preferences.  [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Managers all over the world facilitate meetings every day, but how many managers facilitate meetings well? The goal of facilitating a meeting is to create a space so that everyone can participate effectively. This may not come naturally to some managers, but it’s a skill that anyone can master with the right tools. Today’s guest is Rae Ringel. Rae is an executive coach, facilitator, author and founding President of The Ringel Group. She is a faculty member at the Georgetown University Institute for Transformational Leadership and founding director of their certificate program in the Art of Facilitation and Design. She is also a frequent columnist for Harvard Business Review. Rae and I talk about meeting facilitation. What facilitation really is, how to do it well when meeting in person or virtually, and Rae shares a bunch of facilitation tricks and activities you can immediately use with your team to improve your meetings. Members of the Modern Manager community get two articles Rae has authored and published in Harvard Business Review. “Please Stop Using These Phrases in Meetings” helps readers take control of their speech patterns by learning phrases that aren’t as helpful as you think. “When Do We Actually Need to Meet in Person?” helps leaders determine which factors of work can be kept virtual and which require being in-person. Get them when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: How to Facilitate an Effective Meeting   KEEP UP WITH RAE Twitter: @ringelgroup LinkedIn: @rae-ringel Instagram: @julieraeringel   Key Takeaways: Facilitation is creating the space in a meeting where everyone can participate. It’s important to start with a planned agenda and then be flexible enough to pivot when needed. Plan the activities ahead so you can prepare any materials, e.g. polls, Miro boards, etc. Virtual meetings have the potential to be more inclusive and comfortable for people. Leverage the strengths of technology to create a more inclusive meeting by using different modalities of participation. Consider how you can arrange the room, or ask people to arrange their physical space, to support effective engagement. Overemphasize the importance of the remote participants in a hybrid meeting. By focusing on them, you’ll boost engagement for everyone. Use collaborative online tools to support more equitable engagement, even if you’re fully meeting in person. Use the HIIT approach of alternating between passive and activity activities in a meeting. As a facilitator, your energy is contagious. People will remember how they feel when they leave more than your specific facilitation abilities. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks

Ever feel like you don't have enough time because you're too busy working on tasks, attending meetings, and checking email? If so, you're not alone. Who has time for planning when there is so much to do?! In reality, a daily planning habit puts you in control of your schedule, workload, and productivity.  Today’s guest is Ashutosh Priyadarshy. Ashutosh is the Co-founder and CEO of Sunsama, a daily planning assistant that helps knowledge workers stay focused and productive throughout their workdays. Ashutosh has spent most of the last decade building and launching productivity software. His goal is to build products that help us navigate our work and life mindfully and intentionally. Ashutosh and I  talk about why daily planning is an important process, how we can use daily planning to boost productivity and feel a sense of accomplishment, and more. Members of the Modern Manager community get an exclusive 30-day free trial of Sunsama. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox.    Read the related blog article: Boost Productivity with Daily Planning   KEEP UP WITH ASHUTOSH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunsamahq/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sunsamaHQ Website: https://get.sunsama.com/   Key Takeaways: Create a daily planning habit at a time that works best for you. It doesn’t need to be at the start of your day. Starting your day with a plan helps you focus on your most important tasks. Bring your calendar and tasks together to get an accurate picture of how you’ll spend your time. In addition to meetings and tasks, we have plenty of ‘work chores’ that need to be done every day. Share your daily plan with your team to keep people informed, create accountability, and encourage yourself to plan accurately. End your day with a reflection on what you accomplished to help feel fulfilled and build momentum. [email protected] instagram.com/mamieks