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 ..read more

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 t ..read more

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 ..read more

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 s ..read more

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 expl ..read more

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 sp ..read more

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 comple ..read more

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, Na ..read more

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 ..read more

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 wor ..read more