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15 Apr 2025353: How to Be a More Inclusive Leader with Kelli Lester00:31:28

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!


21 May 2024307: How to Make the Transition Into a Manager Role with Eric Girard00:36:00

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!


02 Jul 2024313: How to Build Strong Relationships and Connections at Work with Patricia Bathory00:29:28

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!


26 Sep 2023274: How Managers Can Advance Their Career and Move Up at Work with Sonja Price00:32:40

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!

12 Sep 2023272: Why Psychological Safety at Work Matters and How to Establish It00:34:54

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!

26 Dec 2023Inspire Employees Through Deep Purpose with Ranjay Gulati (A Replay)00:28:23

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!


07 May 2024305: Be Vulnerable and Confident with Jacob Morgan00:30:36

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!


23 Apr 2024303: How to Work With Difficult People with Amy Gallo00:33:25

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!


14 Jan 2025340: Effortlessly Boost Your Writing Skills with This Simple Framework with Davina Stanley00:33:24

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!

12 Mar 2024297: Generate Buy-in and Change People’s Minds with Michael McQueen00:35:21

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 differently


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

- 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!


25 Mar 2025350: Why Validation is the Missing Key to Stronger Relationships at Work with Caroline Fleck00:31:17

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.


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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!


02 Apr 2024300: Unleashing Potential Using The Modern Manager Framework00:16:16

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!


09 Apr 2024301: The Unique Roles and Responsibilities of Managers with Matt Ley00:33:58

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!


30 Jul 2024317: Why Attributes Matter More Than Skills with Rich Diviney00:33:39

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!


05 Nov 2024331: Essential Tips to Keep Managers Out of Legal Trouble with Peter Rahbar00:28:47

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!


09 Jan 2024288: How to Effectively Deal with Workplace Conflict with Carol Bowser00:32:10

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.


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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!


17 Oct 2023277: How to Serve as a Leader Without Burning Out with Teri Schmidt00:30:19

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.



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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!


28 May 2024308: 3 Cs to Building a Winning Team with James Scouller00:38:14

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!


10 Dec 2024336: Unlock Employee Professional Growth with a Revolutionary Feedback System with Carissa Reiniger00:31:34

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!


19 Mar 2024298: Using Rituals to Create Certainty in Times of Change with Ashley Goodall00:34:45

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!


29 Oct 2024330: How to Build a System that Supercharges Your Productivity with Leslie Shreve00:34:31

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!


19 Dec 2023286: Debunking the Myth of the Dream Job and What to Pursue Instead with Lauren McGoodwin00:33:31

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!


11 Feb 2025344: Enhancing Team Dynamics with The Power of DiSC with Jen Fox00:36:42

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!


12 Nov 2024332: Unlock High-Impact Team Performance with Simpler Delegation Tools with Brian Irwin00:30:05

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!


31 Oct 2023279: How to Facilitate Effective Performance Management with Projjal Ghatak00:32:14

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!

04 Mar 2025347: 8 Toxic Thought Patterns That are Sabotaging You at Work (And How to Stop Them) with Cynthia Pong00:34:00

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!


24 Oct 2023278: Why Journaling Improves Your Leadership Skills with Antonio Garrido00:32:14

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!



18 Feb 2025345: The Shocking Truth About High-Performing Teams with David Burkus00:33:01

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!


13 Feb 2024293: 5 Proven Steps for Managers to Motivate Their Teams with JC Bernstein00:35:27

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!


16 Apr 2024302: How to Avoid Hiring the Wrong Person with Vicky Brown00:35:50

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!


02 Jan 2024287: How to Set Strategic Goals and Achieve Them00:10:24

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!


10 Oct 2023276: How to Survive Awkward Moments at Work with Henna Pryor00:31:51

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!

22 Oct 2024329: The Four Dimensions of Team Dynamics Every Leader Should Understand with Christopher Morrison00:33:31

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 christopher@teamdynamics.io

- 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!


13 Aug 2024319: The Hidden Reason Why People Are Unhappy at Work with Dr. Tessa West00:30:59

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!


27 Feb 2024295: Using the 8% Principle to Build a High Performance Culture with Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry00:34:51

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!


06 Aug 2024318: How Body and Brain Awareness Can Make You a Better Manager with Amanda Blake00:33:27

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!


28 Jan 2025342: The Power of Courageous Communication (and How to Unlock It) with Michelle Gladieux00:36:30

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!


17 Dec 2024337: How to Build a Strong Team Culture Using Workshop Techniques with Alison Coward 00:29:58

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!

28 Nov 2023283: 7 Types of Rest and How to Practice Them to Avoid Burnout00:31:52

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 energy

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 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!


21 Nov 2023282: Understanding Power in the Workplace and How It Impacts Workplace Dynamics with Catherine Bell00:30:37

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!


22 Aug 2023269: How Managers Can Improve Their Communication Skills Using AI Technology00:30:09

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!

04 Jun 2024309: Proven Meeting Strategies That Boost Productivity with Yari Ising00:28:58

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!


23 Jan 2024290: Why Upstream Work is Crucial For Better Decision Making and Execution with Atif Rafiq00:31:48

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’s

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 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!


20 Aug 2024320: How to Convince Yourself to Do the Hard Things with Lei Wang00:29:50

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!


14 May 2024306: 4 AI Tools for Modern Managers to Skyrocket Your Productivity00:10:48

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!


26 Mar 2024299: How to Think Strategically with Julia Sloan00:34:28

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!


27 Aug 2024321: 7 Leadership Traits That Set Great Leaders Apart with Gaia van der Esch00:34:24

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!


08 Apr 2025352: How to Create a Workplace that Truly Supports Working Parents with Dr. Anne Welsh00:29:05

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!


03 Dec 2024335: How to Build a Gender-Inclusive Workplace with Davey Shlasko00:28:29

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!


05 Sep 2023271: How Accountability Helps Managers and Their Teams Achieve Goals00:31:45

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 enough

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 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!


11 Jun 2024310: How to Get Through A Stressful Conversation with Candice Elliott00:27:51

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!


08 Aug 2023267: How to be an Excellent Digital Communicator with Ty Hoesgen00:31:39

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!


21 Jan 2025341: How to Get Your Team to Do What You Ask with Steven Blue00:30:52

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!

20 Feb 2024294: 5 Skills for Effective Decision-Making00:14:03

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!

03 Oct 2023275: Mastering Coachability for Effective Leadership with Jacquelyn Lane and Scott Osman00:27:45

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!

11 Mar 2025348: Master Collaboration and Leadership Using Improv Techniques with Joel Zeff00:34:49

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!

14 Nov 2023281: How Curiosity Can Help Managers Build Better Teams with Scott Shigeoka00:38:46

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!


23 Jul 2024316: How to Spot and Outsmart a Narcissist at Work with Rebecca Zung00:36:07

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!

16 Jan 2024289: How to Organize a Successful Team Building Event with Michael Alexis 00:32:04

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!


30 Apr 2024304: Become a Generous Leader with Joe Davis00:31:27

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!


17 Sep 2024324: How to Respectfully Disagree with Your Co-Workers with Justin Jones-Fosu00:32:55

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!


04 Feb 2025343: The Real Reason People Leave Jobs (And How to Retain Your Best Employees) w/ Michael Horn00:30:48

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!


25 Jun 2024312: 5 Delegation Tactics Every Leader Must Know00:14:49

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.


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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!


06 Feb 2024292: Why Managers Need Cultural Intelligence (And How to Develop It) with Loren Rosario-Maldonado00:33:52

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.


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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!


15 Oct 2024328: How to Effectively Manage Gen Z Employees at Work with Madeline Miller00:32:19

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!


07 Jan 2025339: Lead Smarter by Increasing Your Emotional Intelligence with Roberta Fernandez00:33:20

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!


09 Jul 2024314: Practical Tips for Better One-on-One Meetings with Steven Rogelberg00:31:22

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.

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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!


01 Apr 2025351: How to Master Your Time and Crush Your Goals Without Burnout with Andrew Hartman00:33:35

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!


29 Aug 2023270: 6 Types of Bad Bosses and How Not to Be One 00:31:02

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!

05 Dec 2023284: 4 Key Mindset Shifts for Individual Contributors Transitioning To Management Roles 00:31:31

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.

 

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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!

 


19 Nov 2024333: Elevate Your Workday Well-Being with These Easy, Powerful Practices with Kristel Bauer00:31:07

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!


01 Aug 2023266: The Truth About Perfectionism (And What To Do About It) with Thomas Curran00:34:05

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 Intro
  • 02:53 What is perfectionism?
  • 04:20 What are the harms of always striving for perfection?
  • 06:57 A story of unhealthy perfectionism
  • 09:29 How can managers give feedback to perfectionists?
  • 11:02 How to shift out of perfectionism thinking
  • 20:59 Creating a work environment that doesn’t set a perfectionist standard
  • 28:31 A great manager Thomas worked for
  • 30:45 Keeping up with Thomas
  • 31:50 [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. 

mamie@mamieks.com

instagram.com/mamieks


18 Jun 2024311: 5-Step Powerful Framework for Mastering Project Management with Kory Kogon00:36:28

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!


16 Jul 2024315: Be a Better Leader By Embracing Radical Humility with Urs Koenig00:30:50

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


01 Oct 2024326: Why Smart Leaders Embrace Disruption with Terence Mauri00:30:45

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!


03 Sep 2024322: How the Reset Mindset Aligns Managers and Teams for Success with Penny Zenker00:30:38

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!


15 Aug 2023268: 5 Critical Work Skills to Help You Thrive and Succeed 00:33:09

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!


25 Feb 2025346: Elevate Your Virtual Communication with Science-Backed Strategies with Andrew Brodsky00:30:59

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!


10 Sep 2024323: 4 Tactics to Drive Results While Building a Thriving Team with Rachel Cooke00:28:25

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!

18 Mar 2025349: Turn Dull Virtual Meetings into High-Impact Sessions (On-Air Coaching Session with Jill Molee) 00:29:12

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!

26 Nov 2024334: HR Expert Reveals The Ultimate Onboarding Guide for Managers with Dr. Tiffany E. Slater00:30:55

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!


12 Dec 2023285: 8 Types of Questions Managers Should Ask Their Team Members with Deb Calvert00:32:22

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!


22 Apr 2025354: The Do’s and Don’ts of Using AI Tools at Work with Theresa Fesinstine00:27:18

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!


07 Nov 2023280: How Mindset Impacts Everything You Do as a Manager with Susan Hobson00:30:39

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 mindset

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 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.


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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!


19 Sep 2023273: How Radical Acceptance Creates an Inclusive Workplace Culture with Risha Grant00:36:51

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.


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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!

05 Mar 2024296: Make Professional Development a Habit with Skot Waldron00:33:28

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:

  1. Understand the communication dynamics of your team.
  2. Understand how to gain more influence with those around you.
  3. Relate to what it looks like when you’re accidental in your leadership.
  4. 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.


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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!


24 Dec 2024338: Building a Strong People-First Culture That Lasts with Michel Falcon00:30:55

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!


24 Sep 2024 325: How to Hire from the Global Talent Pool with Confidence with Jonathan Romley00:23:20

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!

30 Jan 2024291: Enhancing Management Skills and Team Dynamics with Enneagram with Tracy O’Malley00:33:30

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!


08 Oct 2024327: How to Fire Someone Without Feeling Like the Bad Guy with Jackie Koch00:31:29

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!


04 Oct 2022224: Proven Strategies to Unleash Your Team’s Potential with Russ Laraway00:27:49

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.

mamie@mamieks.com

instagram.com/mamieks

11 Oct 2022225: Establish a Bold Vision with Lisa McCarthy00:31:21

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:

mamie@mamieks.com

instagram.com/mamieks

18 Oct 2022226: Focus on the Big Things with Erik Qualman00:32:29

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: eq@equalman.com

 

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.

mamie@mamieks.com

instagram.com/mamieks

25 Oct 2022227: Discover Your FABS Leadership Style with Robert Jordan00:32:00

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.

 

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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.

mamie@mamieks.com

instagram.com/mamieks

01 Nov 2022228: Keep Calm and Address Conflicts with Hesha Abrams00:34:49

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.

 

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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. 

mamie@mamieks.com

instagram.com/mamieks

08 Nov 2022229: Overcoming Obstacles with Joel Green00:30:03

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.

 

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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. 

mamie@mamieks.com

instagram.com/mamieks

15 Nov 2022230: Hack Your Brain with Dr. Jon Finn00:29:49

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.

 

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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.

mamie@mamieks.com

instagram.com/mamieks

22 Nov 2022231: Being Thoughtful about the End of Year Holidays with Jen O’Ryan00:29:18

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.

 

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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.

mamie@mamieks.com
instagram.com/mamieks

29 Nov 2022232: Goal Setting and Goal Accomplishing with Hilary DeCesare00:35:12

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.

mamie@mamieks.com

instagram.com/mamieks

06 Dec 2022233: Don’t Bring Home Stress to Work with Andrea Liebross00:33:23

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. 

mamie@mamieks.com

instagram.com/mamieks

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