The New Manager Podcast

264. Say It Out Loud 01.06.2026 15p

There's something powerful about saying things out loud. Notice where you feel free to speak your mind and organize your thoughts. . . And where you are more measured and cautious about how you speak. Do you have a work challenge you'd like the talk through? This June, I'm opening my calendar to meet with listeners. We'll talk through one problem you want help with. The conversations will be recorded, to share in a future episode.Find a time here:https://calendly.com/kimnicol/podcast-guest...After the EpisodeSee all of my upcoming classes:https://maven.com/kimnicol~Free download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:https://kimnicol.com/

263. Take Time Off 25.05.2026 9p

If you feel like there's too much to do and it's all on you. . . Plan a holiday or vacation this season. At the very least, take time off from worry and feeling anxious about all the things on your to-do list....After the EpisodeFree download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine~Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Learn to use The Gentle No and say no without feeling bad:https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:https://kimnicol.com/

262. Add Calm to the System 18.05.2026 21p

First, a celebration and a story about how I got myself un-stalled on a project. Then, an observation about the value of adding calm to the system, and two approaches for how to do that....After the EpisodeFree download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine~Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Learn to use The Gentle No and say no without feeling bad:https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:https://kimnicol.com/

261. Slow Down 11.05.2026 21p

"Increase your power and influence with this one weird trick. . ." Seriously, though: make it a practice to pause and slow down. It seems counterintuitive when faced with outer urgency and an inner drive to work hard. But there are real advantages to taking a pause. It's true for athletes (rest builds strength, as does interval training), and it's true for managers at work....After the EpisodeFree download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine~Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Learn to use The Gentle No and say no without feeling bad:https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:https://kimnicol.com/

260. How to Ask for Help 04.05.2026 25p

If you're an "I can do it myself!" person, then you might not have much practice in asking for help. This episode is for you....After the EpisodeFree download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine~Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Learn to use The Gentle No and say no without feeling bad:https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:https://kimnicol.com/

259. What's your Leadership Philosophy? 27.04.2026 13p

Every leader has an underlying philosophy that shapes their decisions, actions, and approach to the work. Not sure where to start? Ask others about theirs...Resources mentioned in this episode:Dr. Frances Frei's Office Hours LIVE...After the EpisodeFree download: Make Feedback Meaningful~Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking.~Learn to use The Gentle No to say no without feeling bad.~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching.

258. Future Focused Feedback 20.04.2026 18p

The latest Global State of the Workplace Report by Gallup came out, and they're reporting lower levels of engagement worldwide. One thing that helps? Meaningful feedback. And one key part of that? Future focused feedback.Plus: you can now download your own copy of the Make Feedback meaningful zine!.Resources mentioned in this episode:Free download:https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine--Watch the video tutorial:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te2lJzYc954--Read the Gallup State of the Global Workplace 2026 report:https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx--Read the study on Future Focused Feedback:https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0234444...After the EpisodeStrengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:⁠⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠⁠~Learn how to say No, without feeling bad:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no⁠~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

257. Savor the Wins 13.04.2026 8p

This week, take a breath and savor the wins. There will always be more work to be done. And even when things are going well, it can feel scary -- the feeling that there's more to lose, or that you'll let people down, can increase in the best of times.So make an intentional practice: savor the wins, whether they are small or clearly visible for all to see...Is there a topic you'd like to see covered in an upcoming episode? Leave a note below! Or send me a message on LinkedIn....After the EpisodeStrengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:⁠⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠⁠~Develop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no⁠~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

256. When Managing Feels Heavy 06.04.2026 18p

Being a manager isn't glamorous. If things are feeling heavy, like you're stuck in a thankless grind, have a listen....After the EpisodeJoin the upcoming class of Communication Strategies for Managers:⁠⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠⁠~Develop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no⁠~Find me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

255. Listen Without Trying to Fix Things 30.03.2026 16p

Today I share my biggest take-away from attending Transform. Plus, a reminder that you're human, you work with humans, and there's a lot going on....After the EpisodeDevelop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Strengthen the basics, and level up your leadership skills with Communication Strategies for Managers:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Find me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

254. Refilling Your Cup, Finding Inspiration, and Meaningful Feedback 23.03.2026 22p

In this week's episode we explore three interwoven themes: How to refill your cup when you feel exhausted,Where to find inspiration, and Making feedback meaningful.I make a commitment to share the zine I made. But in the meantime, check out Julia's zine: Help! I have a manager!https://wizardzines.com/zines/manager/...After the EpisodeDevelop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Enroll in Communication Strategies for Managers:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

Bonus Friday: Beginner's Mind, Growing Pains, and Saying No 20.03.2026 14p

This originally aired in Aug. 2024 as Episode 182, Being a Hard Worker and Saying No. As you listen, notice for yourself: What's changed? What's new? What have you let go of?Choosing that state of Beginner's Mind, where you don't need to have all the answers, will keep you adaptive, curious, and ready to learn. And that includes: learning how (and when!) to say No....After the EpisodeDevelop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Strengthen your foundational manager skills:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

253. Saying NO is a Leadership Skill 16.03.2026 12p

If you've been praised and rewarded for saying YES all the time, it can feel really uncomfortable to start saying NO.But part of your job as a manager and leader is to say No.Start seeing NO as a skill to learn, rather than a discomfort to avoid....After the EpisodeDevelop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Enroll in Communication Strategies for Managers:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

252. On Confidence - Part 3 09.03.2026 14p

Lessons learned about confidence from weight training. Create it somewhere outside of work -- get the feeling experience of it in your body. Then bring it with you into wherever you need it....After the EpisodeEnrollment is open for March and April:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~New course: The Gentle Nohttps://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

251. Communication Beyond Words 02.03.2026 17p

Your voice -- literally, the sound you create through your physical body -- has more power than you may realize. Communication is not just about the words you use, but the way you use sound (and silence) can convey your message and influence how others receive (and perceive!) you....After the EpisodeEnrollment is open for March and April! For a limited time, use promo code SPRING10 and save 10% off the registration fee:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

250. Making Mistakes and the Skill of Repair 23.02.2026 18p

At some point your career, you (or someone on your team) will make a mistake. There will also come a time when you find yourself on the receiving end of someone else's mistake.The important thing in both cases is how you choose to handle it. How will you treat people -- how will you communicate? Listen to the story behind why this is top of mind, and what you can do when you find yourself in a similar situation....After the EpisodeEnrollment is open for March and April! For a limited time, use promo code SPRING10 and save 10% off the registration fee:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

249. Three Shifts from IC to Manager and Leader 16.02.2026 12p

When you're an IC, your focus is on execution. But as you rise to manager and leader, this must shift.Three things managers and leaders focus on, instead of trying to be the best at executing tasks:Making decisions.Building relationships.Creating a vision -- and communicating it so that others can see how they fit into it....After the EpisodeEnrollment is open for March and April! For a limited time, use promo code SPRING10 and save 10% off the registration fee:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

248. On Confidence - Part 2 09.02.2026 17p

Leadership can feel heavy. I've found that most of the time when people talk about wanting to feel more confident, they really mean they want to feel more certain. They want to know that they're making decisions that will lead to best outcomes, and ensure success.This episode explores two sources of confidence: External and Internal. Learn to recognize and work with both, and you'll have an easier time finding authentic confidence when you need it most....After the EpisodeEnrollment is open for March and April:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

247. "Can I be direct with you?" 02.02.2026 26p

Being direct is a great tool to have in your communications toolbox. Whether you're using it effectively will have a lot to do on other factors, like: context, power, relationship, and goals. In this episode we'll explore how (and why!) to be more direct. You'll also get some suggestions for what to do if you find that your direct approach is not always well received....After the EpisodeJoin the next class! Communication Strategies for Managers:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

246. Trauma-Informed Care and Leadership 12.01.2026 20p

There are five aspects of trauma-informed care that make good sense for the workplace:Safety / Psychological SafetyTrustworthinessChoice / AutonomyCollaborationEmpowerment / Motivation + EngagementPeople are human. The experiences we have in life shape how we perceive risk, make decisions, communicate, and work with others. Learning a bit about trauma-informed care makes it easier to bring out the best in yourself -- and the people you work with....After the EpisodeBecome a more calm, confident leader by honing your communication skills and strategic thinking:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠