The People Mentor Podcast

In this episode of The People Mentor Podcast, Nicola Richardson explores how to have honest, respectful return-to-work conversations when employees prefer remote working.She shares how to balance business needs with empathy, why blanket rules can damage trust, and how listening and flexibility help rebuild engagement after change. Nicola also offers practical ways to handle resistance, frame the conversation around shared goals, and support employees through the transition back to the workplace.Whether you’re a manager or business owner, this episode gives you tools to navigate return-to-office discussions with confidence, clarity, and care.

When caring too much starts to cost you clarity.Empathy is one of the greatest strengths a leader can have.But when it turns into over-caring, avoidance, or guilt, it can quietly hold you back.In this episode, I explore why empathetic leaders often struggle most with being direct, how it manifests in everyday conversations, and the small shifts that turn empathy into clarity rather than compromise.You'll learn practical ways to balance compassion with courage, so you can speak your mind without compromising your humanity.

Tired of workplace finger-pointing destroying your team? Discover why blame culture spreads like wildfire through organisations and how smart leaders flip it into ownership. Discover the neuroscience behind blame, recognise the warning signs, and acquire practical tools to transform toxic conversations into trust-building moments. Perfect for managers and senior leaders who want to stop firefighting and start leading with confidence.

Managing Managers for the First TimeI thought this would be just like leading my old team, but bigger. I was so wrong.If This Sounds Like You, This Episode Is Essential:❌ Your old success moves now create bottlenecks❌ Direct instructions that used to work are failing❌ You feel like you're failing at everything❌ Your confidence has been knocked sideways❌ You're drowning in detail instead of leadingThe Uncomfortable TruthManaging managers isn't a scaled-up version of your old job. It's an entirely different game - and most leaders are thrown into it without a roadmap.What You'll Learn✅ The identity shift that's messing with your head✅ Why you're avoiding the conversations you need to have✅ The four critical mistakes every new leader makes✅ Your inner critic voices and how they're sabotaging you✅ The reframe that changes everythingPerfect If You're:Recently promoted to manage other managersFeeling overwhelmed and out of your depthMissing the days when you "just got things done"Ready to stop struggling and start leading with confidenceThis episode could be the turning point that helps you see this transition for what it truly is and gives you the clarity to navigate it successfully.🎧 Listen now - because you're not supposed to have all the answers anymore.Want more support making this transition? Check out the Conversation Catalyst programs mentioned at the end.

Your workplace conversations are broken. I'm here to fix them.In this episode, I'm tackling something that is often overlooked - your workplace culture.Not the glossy values stuck on your website. I'm talking about the authentic culture -the one your team experiences every single day.You'll discover why you can prep your words perfectly, but if your culture is built on fear or silence, those words won't land. I'll show you how toxic culture kills conversations before they start, and what healthy cultures do differently. I'll share real examples of how small cultural shifts can transform even the most challenging conversations.Because here's what I know after years of working with leaders - when culture is healthy, even the most difficult conversations feel possible.Ready to create a culture where honesty thrives and every conversation counts?Hit subscribe, and let's fix this together.New episodes every week. Perfect for leaders who want results, not excuses.

That stomach-dropping feeling when someone asks for just five minutes of your time? The way you end up hiding in staff toilets just to get a moment's peace? You're not alone.In this episode, I dive into the real reason managers struggle to say no at work - and it's not what you think. It's not about being too nice or lacking assertiveness. The truth is, poor boundaries are actually stopping you from having the conversations that matter most.I share why those tiny "yes" moments are stealing your energy from the big stuff - like addressing performance issues, team conflicts, and the difficult decisions that make the difference between a struggling team and a thriving one.You'll discover:👉 Why your body gives you boundary signals before your brain catches up (and how to listen to them)👉 The difference between being liked versus being respected as a leader👉 Practical scripts for workplace boundaries that sound professional, not harsh👉 A simple nervous system regulation technique you can use before any difficult conversation👉 How avoiding conversations actually creates more stress for your entire team👉 Why boundaries are a core leadership skill, not just a personal wellness thingThis episode is for you if:You're exhausted from saying yes to everything.You're avoiding workplace conversations you know need to happen.You want to create space for the leadership work that actually matters.You're ready to stop managing by crisis and start leading with clarity.Stop hiding in the toilets. Start setting boundaries that give you back the headspace to actually lead.

One of the most awkward situations you'll face as a senior manager is when staff come to you complaining about their boss. After 33 years of managing teams, I know this one inside and out, having been on both sides of it.These complaints can spiral into massive problems if you get them wrong. Team morale suffers, and productivity declines. But you can sort them out if you know what you're doing.I'll provide you with the practical steps you need when someone raises concerns about their manager - what to do first, how to conduct a proper investigation, and how to maintain relationships throughout the entire process.Because how you handle these situations shows your team what kind of leader you really are.When you get it right, you build trust. When you get it wrong, you lose good people.

Being the strong one at work might win you praise, but it comes at a hidden cost. In this episode, I unpack what it really takes to continuously hold it together, why it quietly drains leaders, and how to shift from carrying everyone else's weight to leading with steadiness that doesn't burn you out.If you've ever felt like you can't let the cracks show, this one's for you.🎧 Listen now and find a better way to lead without breaking inside.

Some team members sulk when things don't go their way.It's draining. It slows everyone down. And it tests your patience.In this episode, I share how to spot the signs early, why ignoring them makes things worse, and the practical steps you can take to turn the mood around without losing control.If you've ever had to manage someone who retreats into silence or passive resistance, this is for you.Listen in and take away strategies you can use straight away.

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a half-hearted "sorry"?You know the type. The apology that leaves you feeling worse than before.In this episode, I'm breaking down why apologies go wrong. And how to say sorry in a way that rebuilds trust.If you lead a team, work with clients, or ever find yourself saying, "I didn't mean to upset you," this one's for you.

Feeling stuck or worn down by all the changes in your career? In this episode of No Room for Fluff: The Workplace Edit, I explore how to build long-term career resilience, so you can stay grounded, keep growing and feel more in control no matter what work throws at you. From identifying your core values and strengths to practical tips on reflection, emotional intelligence and even financial resilience, this episode is packed with tools to help you bounce back stronger.

Feeling the pressure of a high-stakes transition at work? Whether you're juggling deadlines, stepping into a new role, or navigating difficult colleagues, this episode is your toolkit for staying calm, clear, and in control. Nicola shares practical strategies to manage stress, communicate with impact, and lead yourself through uncertain times, without burning out. Take a moment to tune in. You'll walk away with grounded insights, confidence resets, and a reminder that you're more capable than you think.

Have you ever had that one person who gets under your skin? The passive-aggressive emailer, the meeting hijacker, or the colleague who always plays the victim? In this episode of No Room for Fluff: The Workplace Edit, I'm breaking down what's really going on underneath the behaviour, and how to take back control without it becoming a drama. Whether you're a manager, business owner or leader, you'll get practical, clear tips to handle tricky personalities while keeping your cool.Listen now and learn how to lead with confidence, even whenemotions run high.

Ever felt tension in your team and thought, “Uh-oh, here we go”?Before you brace for conflict, pause.It might just be miscommunication.In this episode, I’m sharing the subtle signs to look for, what’s going on in people’s minds (including yours), and how to prevent misunderstandings before they escalate.If you’ve ever left a meeting thinking, “What just happened?”, this one’s for you. Let’s clear the air and get communication working for you, not against you.

In this episode, Nicola from The People Mentor tackles the challenge of managing an underperforming team member when your boss undermines your efforts. She provides practical strategies for:- Documenting performance issues systematically- Having constructive conversations with underperforming employees - Creating and implementing effective Personal Improvement Plans (PIPs)- Dealing with a boss who wants to retain an underperformer- Handling ongoing underperformance a year after a completed PIPNicola offers step-by-step guidance on preparing for difficult conversations, setting clear performance goals, providing support, and navigating tricky situations with unsupportive management. Whether you are facing this issue or want to be prepared, this episode provides valuable insights for maintaining professional integrity while improving team performance.

Struggling with employee social media issues? In this must-listen episode, Nicola from The People Mentor tackles the challenge of confronting staff about inappropriate online behaviour. You'll learn practical strategies for professionally addressing social media concerns, protecting your business, and strengthening team relationships. Discover how to turn awkward conversations into opportunities for growth using the COMPASS model. Whether you're dealing with a social media situation now or want to be prepared, this podcast provides the tools you need to navigate the digital minefield confidently. Don't miss these expert insights to become a more effective communicator and leader.

In this episode, Nicola from The People Mentor tackles the thorny issue of being 'too nice' in the workplace. With her signature blend of warmth and straight-talking advice, Nicola explains why avoiding difficult conversations can hurt your business. She shares practical strategies for delivering constructive criticism effectively, including the powerful AID model. Whether you're struggling with an underperforming team member or want to create an open, honest communication culture, this podcast offers valuable insights. Nicola challenges listeners to shift from being merely nice to truly kind and effective leaders. Tune in to learn why sometimes the kindest thing you can do for your employees and your business is to have those tough conversations.

Nobody enjoys difficult conversations, and if you need to have such a conversation with your boss, it can intensify the feelings of dread and anxiety you might have. In this podcast, I share my tips and techniques for having successful, difficult conversations with your boss that will help improve your relationship.

Join Nicola from The People Mentor as she shares valuableinsights on creating an inclusive workplace for neurodiverse individuals. Learn practical strategies to support employees with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological differences during difficult conversations. Discover how small adjustments alongside empathy can lead to better communication, collaboration, and personal growth. Whether you're a manager or a colleague, this podcast offers actionable tips for creating a more understanding and supportive work environment.Tune in to enhance your leadership skills and positively impact your workplace!