The Modern Manager

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ever feel like you should know more, be more confident, or have everything figured out by now?You’re not alone, and more importantly, you don’t need to be a “know-it-all” to be an exceptional leader.In fact, the strongest leaders today share one trait:They are learn-it-alls, people who grow through challenges instead of shrinking from them.Fortunately, this week’s guest brings a powerful, actionable framework that helps managers move from self-doubt into genuine capability.Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit, a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.We explore why action transforms confidence faster than motivation ever could, how to stop perfectionism from stalling your growth, and how “possibility spotting” turns obstacles into opportunities for advancement. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not ready, not experienced enough, or not “the right fit,” this conversation will help you step forward as the leader you truly are.Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Join the conversation now!Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction: Why imposter syndrome spikes when stepping into leadership(01:12) What imposter syndrome really is (and why nearly everyone experiences it)(05:42) Why we undervalue ourselves when taking on bigger roles(08:30) Confidence through action, not waiting to feel ready(11:18) Building leadership skills through mentors, reps, and learning(13:44) Why difficult conversations trigger self-doubt for new managers(15:56) Owning your gaps to build credibility(18:03) Asking for help and advocating for your development(22:58) Finding opportunities inside constraints(25:57) [Extended Only] Why everyone has imposter syndrome(26:45) [Extended Only] Damon’s 4-step framework for overcoming imposter syndrome(34:05) [Extended Only] Turning obstacles into an advantage📚 Additional Resources:✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MDa7N-6PlvtCn8v2-Nvau0HB7Ljq7OzM5r3sutaU1Do/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Damon Lembi and The Learn-It-All PodcastConnect with Damon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembiFollow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembiFollow him on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/damonlembiSubscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@learnittrainingListen to The Learn-It-All Podcast: TheLearnItAllLeader.comExplore Learnit: Learnit.comCheck out his book The Learn-It-All Leader: https://a.co/d/5oebQ6aGuest Bonus (available to members of Podcast+): FREE Digital Version of Learn-It-All LeaderIn The Learn-It-All Leader, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi shares:How being a "Learn-it-All" vs "Know-it-All will set you up for success and get you invited to more happy hours!A three-step approach to overcoming imposter syndromeHow to use Purposeful Awfulizing to overcome fear and build resilienceDiscover why treating your employees as a team rather than as family can lead to greater successWhy you should choose potential over experience in the hiring processWhat the “Trust Tax” is and why it’s worth payingHow a leader's personal model of integrity is crucial to creating trust and a thriving workplaceA proven model for building great teamsHow implementing a culture of continuous learning & professional development helps attract & retain talentWhy you should focus on elevating strengths over improving weaknessesWith entertaining anecdotes and inspirational examples, The Learn-It-All Leader is a compelling guide to being your best and playing to win every time.To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.---------------------The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#Leadership #Management #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceSkills #ManagerTips #BusinessMindset #GrowthMindset #ImposterSyndrome #ContinuousLearning #LeadershipMindset #TeamManagement #CareerAdvice

In a world that constantly demands breakthrough solutions, do you ever feel like innovation is reserved for a select few, or that you’re simply not "creative enough"? This week’s guests are here to set the record straight: that we are all capable of creative thinking if we just give ourselves permission and a little guidance. Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden are the co-authors of Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World. Tessa is a cognitive scientist exploring how we work, learn, and innovate. She is a co-founder of Harvard's Next Level Lab and teaches Design Thinking and Innovation at Harvard, DCE, and Stanford D School. Rich is the founder and CEO of People Rocket, which helps leaders and teams overcome innovation hesitation; there, they guide clients through the innovation-ish approach, a flexible human-centered framework built on mindset shifts, small adaptive steps, and reflective practice he also teaches at Stanford D School.In this episode, we're cutting through the myth of the "right-brained" innovator. You’ll learn how to integrate the six innovation mindsets into your work, overcome "innovation hesitation," and embrace your "whole brain" approach to problem-solving. This conversation offers practical tools to foster fresh thinking within your team, create space for ideas to thrive, and give you the concrete tools to move those ideas forward, no matter your role.Plus, in the extended episode, Tessa and Rich share tips for normalizing failure and using “F-Up Nights” to build a culture that learns from failure.Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Join the conversation now!Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction – Why experimentation beats opinion-driven decision-making(01:18) The root of spiraling: fear, assumptions, and cognitive bias(04:02) Why small experiments create big clarity(07:10) The danger of optimizing parts of a system instead of the whole(10:42) A real-world case study: redesigning a supply chain through small tests(15:45) Why most ideas fail and why that’s a good thing(18:04) How emotional attachment to ideas sabotages good decisions(21:30) Cognitive caution: What your brain is really doing when you avoid failure(25:14) Practicing emotional regulation while testing ideas(28:33) Creating a culture where testing > guessing(30:20) [Extended only] How leaders can use data to reduce conflict and opinion-driven debate(36:24) [Extended only] Normalizing failure and learning from it as a team(40:18) [Extended only] Global “F-Up Nights” and how leaders can model healthy failure📚 Additional Resources:✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KFafl5klc5iycyAmqq_Mlqp3ARyogW-mCWto2HNGfNc/edit?usp=sharing  ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨ Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨ Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Tessa Forshaw & Rich BradenFollow Tessa on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessaforshaw/Follow Rich on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcoxbraden/Get a copy of Innovation-ish here: https://a.co/d/5Dhg9wHGuest Bonus: 1st Chapter of Innovation-ish: How Anyone can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real WorldInnovation-ish is your no-nonsense guide to unlocking your innate creativity. This book shows you how to solve problems and generate solutions in a huge variety of personal and professional situations. Tessa and Rich demystify the myths that surround innovation, reveal the six mindsets that underlie innovation, and show how the moves you make drive innovation forward. And they share the latest relevant cognitive science research in a compelling and digestible way - no degree required.To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.---------------------The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!#DesignThinking  #Experimentation #ManagerTips #BetterDecisions #LeadershipSkills #WorkplaceLearning#Innovation #Creativity #CreativeThinking #InnovationMindset #Leadership #ProblemSolving #TeamInnovation #GrowthMindset #SkillBuilding #ProfessionalGrowth #ThinkSmart #LeadershipDevelopment

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

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

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

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