The Modern Manager

Епизоди

• 410: The Simple Coaching Habit That Changes How Teams Think with Laura and Dominic Ashley-Timms 02.06.2026 31мин

  Most managers think their job is to have the answers.But the managers who create the strongest teams often do the opposite: they ask better questions.The challenge is that under pressure, most of us default to fixing, advising, and jumping in with solutions. And while that may feel efficient in the moment, it can unintentionally shut down ownership, confidence, and independent thinking on our teams.Fortunately, this week’s guests explain why coaching doesn’t have to mean hour-long development conversations or formal mentoring sessions. Instead, they share how small “coachable moments” in everyday work conversations can transform the way people think, learn, and perform.Laura Ashley-Timms and Dominic Ashley-Timms are leadership experts, executive coaches, and authors of The Answer Is A Question. Their work focuses on helping managers use operational coaching techniques to develop more confident, capable, and engaged teams through the power of purposeful inquiry.In this conversation, we explore how to identify coachable moments, the kinds of questions that build confidence and critical thinking, and why managers who stop rushing to provide answers often unlock far greater performance from their teams.Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction(02:14) Why managers default to giving answers instead of coaching(05:27) What makes a moment “coachable”(08:43) How operational coaching builds confidence and ownership(12:08) The difference between helpful questions and advice disguised as questions(14:31) The Ques-Gen framework for asking better questions(18:21) How purposeful inquiry creates new insights and learning(19:27) Questions that unintentionally shut people down(22:20) How to share your ideas without dominating the conversation(24:38) The leadership shift from problem-solver to talent developer(30:10) [Extended Episode Only] How to decide if a situation is truly coachable(33:36) [Extended Episode Only] Why small coaching moments create long-term team growth(35:17) [Extended Episode Only] The growing pressure managers face today(37:24) [Extended Episode Only] Why “accidental managers” are burning out(38:56) [Extended Episode Only] Reframing management as enabling others to succeed📚 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/1nDydcM3ozLY1UtVNN7O0AqMJr1rs5JkuWe8KDq6EdQE/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 Laura Ashley-Timms and Dominic Ashley-Timms- Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/laura-ashley-timms- Connect with Dominic on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dominic-ashley-timms- Listen to the STAR® Manager Podcast: https://STARmanager.global/podcast- Check out their book The Answer Is A Question: https://www.amazon.com/Answer-Question-Superpower-Everything-Transform/dp/0117093912Guest Bonus: 10 Free Audiobooks of The Answer is A QuestionThis book provides a step-by-step walk-through of their ground-breaking STAR® model. Packed with invaluable insights, examples, and mini-missions, you’ll learn precisely how to make some immediate changes that will yield fast and exciting results and revolutionise how you manage forever.The first 10 members to sign up will receive the audiobook.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 #ManagementSkills #CoachingSkills #PeopleManagement #LeadershipCommunication #ManagerTips #WorkplaceLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamLeadership #CoachingConversations #ManagerTraining #FutureOfWork #LeadershipGrowth #EmployeeDevelopment #OperationalCoaching
• 409: The Feedback Conversation Managers Avoid (And How to Finally Have It) 26.05.2026 8мин

  Most managers think difficult feedback conversations are hard because they don’t know what to say.But often the real problem is that the conversation they’re preparing for is the wrong one.In this episode, I break down why feedback conversations become so emotionally exhausting, why managers keep delaying them, and how unclear expectations quietly damage trust long before feedback is ever delivered.You’ll learn why feedback only works when there’s a shared understanding of standards first, how to shift from a “feedback conversation” to a “clarity conversation,” and four practical moves that make difficult conversations more productive and less emotionally charged.In the extended version, I also explore what to do when the conversation still doesn’t work, how to identify whether the real issue is clarity, capability, motivation, or systems constraints, and why repeating the same conversation louder rarely fixes the problem.By the end of this episode, you’ll have a practical framework for approaching difficult conversations with more clarity, less avoidance, and a much better chance of creating real change.Conversation Topics(00:00) The parking garage moment managers know too well(01:32) Why feedback conversations feel so difficult(02:28) The hidden problem: unclear standards and assumptions(03:39) Why feedback is really a clarity conversation(04:54) Move #1: Name the conversation before it starts(05:50) Move #2: Lead with the observable gap, not emotions(07:00) Move #3: Make the conversation collaborative, not a verdict(07:00) Move #4: End with recommitment and accountability(07:00) [EXTENDED ONLY] Why discomfort doesn’t always mean the conversation failed (08:02) [EXTENDED ONLY] The difference between capability, will, and systems gaps (09:22) [EXTENDED ONLY] Why repeating the same feedback conversation louder rarely works (10:17) [EXTENDED ONLY] Reframing feedback as alignment instead of judgment 📚 Additional Resources✨ Read the transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iw4Ci7hYzU-1kSC8biwCp7opAjCuXcJJSRH7oP69PGk/edit?usp=sharing ✨ Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨ Visit my website for more:https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨ Level up your skills:https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 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 #Feedback #CommunicationSkills #ManagerTools #WorkplaceCommunication #LeadershipDevelopment #TheModernManager
• 408: Why AI Makes Human Thinking More Valuable, Not Less with Dr. Vivienne Ming 19.05.2026 34мин

  AI can now answer questions faster, cheaper, and sometimes better than humans. So where does that leave managers and teams?For many leaders, the instinct is to use AI to speed up execution and automate tasks. But the bigger challenge isn’t getting faster answers. It’s learning how to ask better questions, navigate uncertainty, and create environments where people are encouraged to think critically, experiment, and complement AI.Fortunately, this week’s guest explains why the future of work won’t belong to the people who always have the right answers but to the teams that know how to explore problems with AI as their partner.Dr. Vivienne Ming is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author of Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better People. Her work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, human potential, and innovation, helping organizations understand which uniquely human skills become even more valuable in an AI-driven world.In this conversation, we explore the difference between well-posed and ill-posed problems, why curiosity and intellectual humility matter more than expertise, and how managers can build teams that think more creatively alongside AI instead of becoming dependent on it.Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction(03:42) Why AI excels at “well-posed” problems(07:00) The kinds of problems humans still solve best(10:41) Why uncertainty makes managers uncomfortable(13:20) How AI can create the illusion of understanding(15:13) The human skills that become more valuable in an AI-driven world(19:37) What “hybrid intelligence” between humans and AI looks like(23:18) Why curiosity and intellectual humility outperform expertise alone(27:12) How productive disagreement improves team thinking(32:19) [Extended Episode Only] Building resilience, curiosity, and learning through failure(35:48) [Extended Episode Only] Why rewarding “productive mistakes” matters(40:56) [Extended Episode Only] Using constructive criticism to generate better ideas📚 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/1jDqGUcP6zMtset2bPAkMNxaa40MQc4yuhK8kcgY-8KU/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. Vivienne Ming and SOCoS- Visit SOCoS here: https://socos.org/- Check out the book Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better People: https://socos.org/robot-proof Guest Bonus: Book Giveaway: Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better PeopleDr. Vivienne Ming helps readers grasp the ugly and the amazing of how individuals, companies, and societies will respond to the changes that are already taking hold due to the advent of AI. With poignant insight and delicate care to keep us grounded in the human perspective, Robot-Proof is an entertaining and thought-provoking read for all individuals seeking to understand the next steps in a new and completely unprecedented world.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!#ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #AIatWork #CriticalThinking #InnovationCulture #Curiosity #WorkplaceLearning #LeadershipSkills #DigitalTransformation #CreativeThinking #ProblemSolving #HumanSkills #Management #AILeadership
• 407: Hidden Causes of Burnout (And How to Fix Them Before It’s Too Late) – Part 2 12.05.2026 10мин

  Most managers assume burnout is caused by one thing: workload.But in reality, burnout is rarely that simple. It’s usually the result of multiple hidden workplace dynamics that quietly drain energy over time, long before anyone officially burns out.In this episode, I break down six overlooked causes of burnout that show up in everyday leadership decisions, from lack of work-life balance and micromanagement to toxic culture, lack of support, recognition gaps, and monotonous work.You’ll also hear how these patterns show up in real teams, how they quietly erode engagement, and what you can do as a manager to start shifting them in practical, sustainable ways.By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how burnout actually builds over time and what small leadership shifts can prevent it from taking hold in your team.Conversation Topics(00:00) Why burnout often goes unnoticed until disengagement becomes visible(01:19) Why burnout is more than just workload.(02:55) Cause #1: Lack of work-life balance and always being “on.”(04:14) Cause #2: Micromanagement and lack of trust.(05:04) Cause #3: Toxic workplace culture and psychological safety.(06:06) Cause #4: Lack of support from leadership and unclear communication.(07:31) Cause #5: Lack of recognition and its emotional impact.(08:58) Cause #6: Monotonous work and loss of engagement.(10:45) Why burnout prevention is about small, consistent changes, not big overhauls.(08:58) [EXTENDED ONLY] Personal burnout recovery strategies.(10:45) [EXTENDED ONLY] How to recognize your own overload patterns as a leader.(10:45) [EXTENDED ONLY] Deeper reflection on sustainable leadership habits.📚 Additional Resources✨ Read the transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zaYWIxLEy6HrcMOgFBKRwyMMyV9JmZo15b6gcxr3Y-0/edit?usp=sharing ✨ Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨ Visit my website for more:https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨ Level up your skills:https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 ✨ Check out Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/KLXNolHCz_0The 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 #BurnoutPrevention #ManagementSkills #WorkplaceCulture #TeamLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #PeopleManagement #LeadershipTips #PsychologicalSafety #WorkLifeBalance #HighPerformanceTeams #ModernLeadership #TheModernManager
• 406: What to Do Instead of “Pushing Though” During Tough Times with Jay Abbasi 05.05.2026 34мин

  Resilience is often framed as pushing through, staying positive, and powering past challenges.But that version of resilience can backfire, especially for managers trying to support their teams. When leaders jump too quickly into problem-solving or positivity, they can unintentionally make people feel unheard, dismissed, or disconnected.Fortunately, this week’s guest shares a more effective approach to building resilience, one that starts with acknowledging what people are actually experiencing and then guides them toward solutions.Jay Abbasi is a leadership coach and former executive who helps individuals and organizations develop resilience, improve performance, and lead through challenges with greater awareness and intention.In this conversation, we explore how to support resilience in others without falling into toxic positivity, practical coaching techniques that help people find their own solutions, and how to lead teams through difficult moments by creating space, trust, and honest dialogue.Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction(02:18) Rethinking resilience beyond “just pushing through.”(05:46) Why positivity can sometimes make things worse(09:12) The importance of acknowledging what people are experiencing(12:34) Coaching instead of fixing: helping others find their own solutions(16:08) Powerful coaching questions that shift perspective(19:27) Asking permission before giving advice(22:41) Creating psychological safety through active listening(26:15) Supporting individuals without becoming their therapist(29:38) Leading teams through uncertainty and difficult news(32:56) [Extended Episode Only] Supporting team resilience in real time(33:44) [Extended Episode Only] Why “I hear you” matters more than solutions(36:44) [Extended Episode Only] Coaching techniques to unlock better thinking(40:14) [Extended Episode Only] How to lead team conversations during tough 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/1YIXQtsAmWSuIXfl4ZDdfJ0INFUN2W5w8OA6yZrIC004/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 Jay Abbasi- Connect with Jay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/- Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/- Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi- Subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcastGuest Bonus: Free PDF: 7 Strategies To Build Unshakable Resilience This PDF offers guidance on how to support your own resilience.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 #peoplemanagement #managertips #emotionalintelligence #workplacecommunication #leadershipskills #coachingleadership#psychologicalsafety #teamleadership #resilienceatwork
• 405: The Hidden Causes Of Burnout (And How To Fix Them Before It's Too Late) - Part 1 28.04.2026 10мин

  Most managers assume burnout is caused by one thing: workload.But in reality, burnout is rarely that simple. It’s usually the result of multiple hidden workplace dynamics that quietly drain energy over time long before anyone officially burns out.In this episode, I break down six overlooked causes of burnout that show up in everyday leadership decisions, from false urgency and unfair treatment to relentless change, limited growth, and feeling undercompensated.You’ll also learn how to recognize early warning signs of burnout, understand what’s really driving disengagement, and take simple, practical steps to prevent it from escalating.By the end of this episode, you’ll see how burnout actually develops beneath the surface and what you can do as a manager to stop it before it spreads across your team.Conversation Topics(00:00) Why burnout is often misdiagnosed as just workload(01:19) The difference between productive stress and destructive drain(02:34) Cause #1: False urgency and constant crisis mode(03:55) Cause #2: Unfair treatment and its ripple effect on trust(05:36) Cause #3: Relentless change without explanation(06:26) Cause #4: Excessive workload and lack of support(07:07) Cause #5: Limited growth opportunities(08:43) Cause #6: Feeling undercompensated(10:01) Why burnout is usually a combination of multiple causes(11:15) [EXTENDED ONLY] How to talk to team members about burnout risk.(12:35) [EXTENDED ONLY] Difference between stress vs burnout progression.(13:51)[EXTENDED ONLY]  How to intervene early and prevent escalation.📚 Additional Resources✨ Read the transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a0E7D-LtllycG5WsQqnUkCGLdrfP_iXHln44vO1pUPE/edit?usp=sharing ✨ Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨ Visit my website for more:https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨ Level up your skills:https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 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 #ManagementSkills #BurnoutPrevention #WorkplaceCulture #TeamLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #PeopleManagement #LeadershipTips #HighPerformanceTeams #WorkLifeBalance #EmotionalIntelligence #ModernLeadership #TheModernManager
• 404: How to Spot and Stop Toxic Workplace Culture with Aoife O’Brien 21.04.2026 30мин

  Toxic workplaces come in many different forms that we might not always notice. And because we aren’t all affected in the same ways, even the most well-meaning managers can unintentionally contribute to an unhealthy culture if they aren't paying close attention. Aoife O’Brien is an organizational psychologist, leadership expert, and author of Thriving Talent. Her work focuses on helping organizations create environments where people feel psychologically safe, aligned to meaningful work, and able to perform at their best.In this conversation, we explore what actually makes a workplace toxic, practical ways to spot the early warning signs of an unhealthy culture, and clear, everyday actions you can take to foster trust, respect, and psychological safety. Because culture is something you create moment by moment, not something you merely declare.Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction(02:21) Types of Toxic Workplaces (and How They Develop)(06:17) Why Toxic Cultures Persist and How to Start Changing Them(10:06) A Framework for Building Thriving Workplaces(13:17) Fostering Psychological Safety at Every Level(17:58) Understanding What Actually Drives People at Work(21:05) Meeting Individual Needs(25:54) One Thing Managers Can Do Tomorrow(28:12) Closing Thoughts and Book Recommendations(31:04) [Extended Only] Gaining Awareness of Your Strengths(34:07) [Extended Only] Managing Conflicting Strengths on Teams(37:35) [Extended Only] Structuring Collaboration So Different Strengths Shine📚 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/1Q9HGJ3_EkaabC5ZzePq86WUmejsVGJU-KpUjRNzuhT0/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 Aoife O’Brien - Connect with Aoife on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien- Follow Happier at Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/happieratworkpodcast- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie- Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappieratWorkHQ- Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happieratworkGuest Bonus: 10% Off Thriving Talent BookIn Thriving Talent, Aoife O’Brien challenges the idea that engagement and performance are trade-offs. Instead, she shows leaders how to create environments where people feel psychologically safe, aligned to meaningful work, and able to use their strengths every day. Blending research with practical tools, the book introduces a clear framework for building cultures that drive performance, engagement, and retention without relying on perks or pressure.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!#teamdynamics #teamperformance #conflic #teamalignment #highperformingteams #workplacefriction #collaborationatwork #leadingteams #peoplemanagement #howteamswork
• 403: How To Escape The Either/Or Trap And Make Better Decisions 14.04.2026 5мин

  You’re stuck between two options, going back and forth, trying to figure out the “right” choice. Should you hire or not? Change systems or stay the same? Restructure or keep things as they are? The more you think about it, the more stuck you feel.It’s easy to assume the answer is hidden somewhere between those two choices, but often, that’s the real problem. You’re treating a complex decision as if it only has two possible paths.In this quick lesson, I share five practical strategies to help you break out of binary thinking and expand your options. By the end of this lesson, you’ll know how to approach decisions more creatively, uncover better solutions, and move forward with greater confidence, without feeling stuck between “either” and “or.”Conversation Topics(00:00) Why either-or thinking keeps you stuck in tough decisions(00:59) How binary thinking limits better, more creative solutions(01:30) Strategy 1: Generate “options within options” to expand your choices(03:03) Strategy 2: Challenge the assumptions behind your choices(03:58) Strategy 3: Sequence decisions instead of treating them as permanent(04:20) [Extended Episode] Strategy 4: Create hybrid solutions that combine the best of both options(04:44) [Extended Episode] Strategy 5: Reframe decisions from different stakeholder perspectives(05:20) How to recognize when you’re stuck in either-or thinking(05:40) Your challenge: Apply one strategy to a current decision(06:00) Why better decisions come from expanding, not narrowing, your options📚 Additional Resources✨ Read the transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CqY5XO5bUVxKGO8gxqEneN4DtYWGOoVykBuwYM6C1K4/edit?usp=sharing ✨ Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨ Visit my website for more:https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨ Level up your skills:https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 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 #ManagementSkills #DecisionMaking #ProblemSolving #StrategicThinking #LeadershipSkills #ManagerMindset #WorkplaceSuccess #ProfessionalGrowth #CriticalThinking #LeadershipHabits #TheModernManager
• 402: The Missing Link Between Communication and Connection with Nidhi Tewari 07.04.2026 33мин

  We often think our reactions at work are about what’s happening in the moment: a frustrating colleague, a difficult conversation, or a stressful situation.But what if those reactions are actually coming from somewhere else?For many managers, moments of irritation, defensiveness, or emotional overwhelm can feel confusing or even unprofessional. But these responses aren’t random and they’re not a sign that something is wrong with you.Fortunately, this week’s guest explains how our past experiences shape our present-day interactions and how developing self-awareness can help us respond more thoughtfully instead of reacting automatically.Nidhi Tewari is a therapist and leadership expert who helps individuals and organizations build emotional intelligence, navigate interpersonal dynamics, and create healthier, more connected workplaces.In this conversation, we explore why certain people trigger us, how to recognize when your reaction is disproportionate to the moment, and a simple framework you can use to regulate your emotions and lead more effectively. We also discuss how to support team members through difficult moments without crossing the line into becoming their therapist.Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction(01:41) The Science of Attunement: How We Sync With Others(03:38) Body Language, Energy, and Emotional Contagion(05:11) Attuning to Organizational Culture and Unspoken Norms(06:37) Case Study: Supporting Neurodivergent Teams(08:28) The CHECK-IN Framework for Difficult Conversations(13:32) Attunement in Remote Work: What Changes(15:56) Spotting Behavioral Shifts and Subtle Signals(17:18) Connection Gaps: Why Conversations Break Down(23:27) From Fixer to Explorer + A Story of Great Leadership(32:41) [Extended Episode Only] How to support employees while maintaining boundaries(36:52) [Extended Episode Only] The importance of normalizing and validating emotions(39:21) [Extended Episode Only] The right way to refer employees to additional support📚 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/1ewlJYvzfKfIScl9mrdHqd61HTW_TuSJKoJGRGse6qEs/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 Nidhi Tewari- Follow Nidhi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nidhitewarilcsw/?hl=en- Visit her website: https://www.nidhitewari.com- Check out her book Working Well: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/788782/working-well-by-nidhi-tewari-msw-lcsw-foreword-by-amy-cuddy/---------------------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!
• 401: How to Use Nature to Rewire Your Brain for Greater Focus, Creativity, and Energy with Dr. John La Puma 31.03.2026 34мин

  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
• 400: Tackle the Five Sources of Stress at Work with Amy Leneker 24.03.2026 34мин

  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
• 399: How to Build Radical Trust Through Better Listening with Leilani Garrett 17.03.2026 30мин

  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
• 398: Become a Change Leader, Not Just a Change Manager with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta 10.03.2026 32мин

  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
• 397: How to Communicate So People Listen, Care, and Take Action with Andy Freed 03.03.2026 31мин

  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
• 396: Mental Performance: Combining High Expectations and High Support with Evan Marks 24.02.2026 31мин

  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.
• 395: How Unspoken Norms are Quietly Sabotaging Your Team with Nilofer Merchant 17.02.2026 32мин

  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
• 394: How to Manage Big (and Small) Emotions at Work with Jordanna Eyre 10.02.2026 33мин

  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
• 393: How to Build a Win-Win Workplace with Angela Jackson 03.02.2026 32мин

  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
• 392: The Leadership Skill Everyone Thinks They Have (But Rarely Do) with Dr. Helen Fagan 27.01.2026 36мин

  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!
• 391: How to Own Your Reputation and Build a Personal Brand with Andy Storch 20.01.2026 32мин

  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