The Modern Manager

Is it possible to achieve high-quality business results while building a thriving team? Many leaders often believe they must choose between driving results and prioritizing their people. However, time and again, we’ve seen that choosing one over the other rarely leads to better outcomes. Thankfully, today’s guest brings a new perspective and practical strategies to help us achieve both at the same time. Today’s guest is Rachel Cooke. Rachel is a workforce activator, speaker, and facilitator. She is the Founder of Lead Above Noise - a firm specializing in activating teams - and the host of the Modern Mentor podcast. In this episode, Rachel and I dive deeper into the common misconception that results and engagement are at odds. She shares insightful, real-world examples of how small, incremental changes can transform both your business outcomes and your teams’ well-being. Plus, in the extended episode available to members of Podcast+, we talk about navigating pushbacks when implementing changes and fostering team cohesion through compromise and understanding. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Level up your skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Rachel Cooke - Subscribe to Rachel’s The Modern Mentor podcast here - Follow her on LinkedIn here - Check out her website for more information here FREE: Leader Activation Worksheet Rachel is providing members of Podcast+ with free access to her Leader Activation Worksheet. It's a compliment to the conversation we just had about the four pillars of activation - what it is, why it matters, and how to achieve it. To get this guest 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!

Mindset is crucial for success, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Yet, many of us feel stuck and merely going through the motions. But what if I told you that a simple mindset shift could provide the clarity and focus you needed to move forward? That’s exactly what today’s guest is here for. Today’s guest is Penny Zenker. Penny is known as “The Focusologist.” She’s a sought-after international keynote speaker and best-selling author. She is one of the leading experts in the psychology of productivity to eliminate distraction, perfectionism, and self-sabotage to maximize results personally and professionally. And, she just released her newest book, The Reset Mindset: Get Unstuck, Focus on What Matters Most, and Reach Your Goals Faster. Penny shares a powerful strategy for real-time resets, ensuring you’re always aligned with your most important goals, even during the chaos. She explains the difference between a reset mindset and a growth mindset, the benefits of practicing a reset mindset, how managers can make it a part of their team culture, and more. Whether you’re a manager looking to boost your team’s performance or simply someone who wants to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters, this episode is a must-listen. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Listen to Mamie on the Take Back Time podcast talking about productive meetings here Keep up with Penny Zenker - Follow Penny on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here - Catch her on the Take Back Time podcast here - Grab a copy of her book here FREE 125 Daily Planner Download Penny is providing her 135 Daily Planning workshop for free to members of Podcast+. Most to-do lists get you lost in the little stuff. The 135 Daily Planner helps you balance what is urgent and important so you can focus on what matters most. To get this guest 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!

When there’s great leadership, everyone flourishes. We’ve seen the outcomes of having great leaders at work countless times–high-performing teams, healthy workplaces, increased profitability, and happy employees, among other things. But what actually makes a great leader? What leadership traits create a lasting impact not just on organizations but also on the lives of the people you lead? Thankfully, our guest expert is here to help us broaden our view of what effective leadership truly looks like. Today’s guest is Gaia van der Esch. Gaia is an author, CEO, and policy expert. Above all, though, she sees herself as a change-maker. Gaia is currently the managing director of a large international foundation working to halt climate change, poverty, and exclusion, and previously served as the G20 Sherpa on gender equality. Her new book “Leading Our Way: How Women Are Redefining Leadership” was released recently by Wiley. Amongst others, she was nominated by Forbes in their 30under30 list. In this episode, Gaia and I discuss what great leadership actually entails. Drawing on examples from influential women like Christina Figueres and Gloria Steinem, Gaia dives into how leaders can cultivate empathy, embrace vulnerability, and shift from hierarchical to circular leadership models. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Gaia reveals the transformative effect of embracing your authentic leadership style and offers insights on how to help your team members do the same. Tune in to discover how you can lead your way. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics with over Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Gaia van der Esch - Connect with Gaia on LinkedIn and Instagram - Grab a copy of her book here - Visit Gaia’s website for more information here 20% Off Leading Our Way: How Women Are Redefining Leadership In this book, Gaia shares an inspiring collection of leadership stories from seven iconic women around the world. These stories explore new leadership models, concepts, and tools to inspire action and solve global challenges. To get this guest 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!

Imagine standing at the base of Mt. Everest, feeling the crushing weight of doubt and fear. Now, picture your toughest work challenge–where quitting feels like the best option. Would you push through or hit the quit button? Many of us struggle with the internal battle of wanting to avoid discomfort, even though deep down, we know that overcoming these challenges is essential for growth and success. For managers, this struggle is even more amplified. Our roles demand that we make difficult decisions, provide tough feedback, and guide our teams through challenging situations. But how do we convince ourselves and our teams to do the hard things? Today’s guest will teach us how to build the mental toughness we all need. Meet Lei Wang. Lei is a renowned international motivational speaker and executive coach, celebrated for her historic achievement as the first Asian woman to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam, which involves conquering the highest peak on each continent and skiing to both the North and South Poles. Through her incredible journey, Lei has developed a unique perspective on resilience, leadership, and personal growth, empowering individuals and organizations to reach new heights and achieve extraordinary success. In this episode, Lei shares her journey from being a “typical city girl” in Beijing to becoming an extreme adventurer. We explore the mental strength it takes to overcome adversity, the power of finding and holding on to your deeper why, the role of tough love in helping your team grow stronger, and more. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Lei Wang - Follow Lei on LinkedIn here - Invite Lei to speak to your next event here - Join Lei’s coaching program here FREE Leadership Assessment Workbook: Uncover Your Mighty Leadership Potential Lei is providing members of Podcast+ her Leadership Assessment Workbook: Uncover Your Mighty Leadership Potential for FREE. This downloadable workbook offers practical exercises and insights designed to help aspiring executives identify strengths, bridge gaps, and create a strategic plan for career advancement. To get this guest 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!

Are you or your team members feeling unhappy at work? When discussing job dissatisfaction, people often point to issues like job title or compensation. However, we frequently overlook the fact that humans have complex emotions, and sometimes, we struggle to express what we truly feel. Thankfully, this week’s guest will help us explore what’s really going on beneath the surface and provide insights on how we can help ourselves and our team members reignite our passion for our careers. Today's guest is Dr Tessa West. Tessa is a professor of psychology at New York University, where she is a leading expert on the science of social relationships. Her academic research and writing for the media focuses on how to improve communication between employees, bosses and hiring professionals across workplace settings. She has over 100 academic publications and is a regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal. Her first book, Jerks at Work published to rave reviews, and her latest book, Job Therapy, is what we discussed today. Tessa and I dive into the deep psychological reasons behind job dissatisfaction, exploring how our careers can sometimes feel like challenging relationships. She shares practical tools and strategies to help diagnose and address these issues. Are you ready to transform your work life and have a more fulfilling and productive career? Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics (Hint: it’s not about the structural factors) Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Tessa - Take Tessa’s career quiz here - Learn more about her research here - Grab a copy of Tessa’s Job Therapy book here Book Giveaway: FREE 10 Copies of Tessa’s Job Therapy Tessa is giving away 10 copies of her latest book Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works For You. This book helps you figure out the real reason you're unhappy and shows you how to find a new position in which you'll thrive, whether in a different role, company or new industry altogether. You must be a member of Podcast+ to enter the drawing and do so before Friday, August 31. To get this guest 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!

Imagine sensing the underlying emotions in a tense meeting or intuitively knowing when to steer a conversation in a more productive direction–all by tuning into your body’s signals. That’s how intelligent your body can be! Science says that your body knows more than you realize–it’s always sending you signals. Yet, we aren’t taught how to interpret these signals well, especially in a workplace setting. Thankfully, today’s guest is an expert in mind-body connection and will teach you how to develop sensory awareness so you can be a better manager. Meet Dr. Amanda Blake. Amanda is an internationally celebrated educator and executive coach with a pedigree spanning more than 25 years and 35,000 students in companies, non-profits, colleges and universities, professional associations, and more. She has shown people in over 50 countries how they can enjoy life more while making a bigger contribution and has reached many thousands more as a top-rated podcast guest with her award-winning book Your Body is Your Brain. She is a Master Somatic Coach and her primary research areas are the neurobiology of embodied learning, applied ethics, and leadership effectiveness. Today, Amanda explains what embodied intelligence is and explores the different sources of intelligence within our bodies. She also offers practical tips for building greater body awareness. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Amanda Blake - Follow Amanda on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of her book Your Body is Your Brain here - Join the Centering Challenge here - Visit Embright for more resources here Book Giveaway: 2 FREE Copies of Your Body is Your Brain Amanda is giving away 2 FREE copies of her book, Your Body is Your Brain: Leverage Your Somatic Intelligence to Find Purpose, Build Resilience, Deepen Relationships and Lead More Powerfully. In this book, you’ll learn to strengthen your social and emotional intelligence by cultivating your innate somatic intelligence. This powerful mind-body science applies in the workplace and beyond. To enter the drawing, you must be a member of Podcast+ and submit your entry by August 23, 2024. To get this guest 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!

Focus on attributes, not skills. So often, we are easily impressed by what we see on resumes or how someone performed during their last big project. But here’s the truth: skills are just one piece of the puzzle. If we focus too much on skills, we risk overlooking one of the most important drivers of human performance–attributes. Attributes play a key role not only in our daily tasks but also in navigating stress, challenges, and uncertainty when plans go awry. So, how can you leverage these attributes to improve your own or your team’s performance? Fortunately, today’s guest will help us unpack all there is to know about attributes. Meet Rich Diviney. Rich is a bestselling author, leadership and human performance expert, and retired Navy SEAL commander. As the officer in charge of training for the elite SEAL Teams, Rich was intimately involved in the highly specialized selection process, which pared down a group of already exceptional candidates to a small cadre of the most elite optimal performers. During this work, he gained insight and passion for writing about the innate qualities we all possess, resulting in his first book, “The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers to Optimal Performance.” which is what we discuss today. In this episode, Rich explains the differences between attributes and skills, the types of attributes essential to optimal performance, and tips on how you or your team can improve them. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Rich reveals the attributes best suited for managerial roles and shares some tips on designing an interview process to assess a candidate’s attributes. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Rich Diviney - Follow Rich on Instagram here - Grab a copy of Rich’s book here - Take The Attributes Assessment here 15% off The Attributes Assessment Rich is providing members of Podcast+ 15% off The Attributes Assessment. This digital tool unlocks a deeper understanding of your individual strengths by delving into your 41 Attributes levels and giving you invaluable insights into your top 5 (strengths) and bottom 5 (areas for potential development). 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!

Are you struggling to deal with narcissistic personalities in your workplace? Working with a narcissist can feel like a never-ending battle. Their lack of empathy, manipulative skills, and constant need for admiration can easily create a tense atmosphere at work. So, how do you manage this type of toxic behavior and protect yourself and your team from the emotional turmoil brought on by a narcissist? Today’s guest might just have the best solution. Meet Rebecca Zung. Rebecca is a globally recognized negotiation and communications expert, as well as an attorney recognized by U.S. News. She is a bestselling author and the designer of the proven SLAY Method® for negotiating with narcissists. In this episode, Rebecca and I talk about the different types of narcissists at work and how to spot them, practical strategies to protect yourself and your team from their toxic behavior, how to win a negotiation with a narcissist, and much more. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Rebecca Zung - Follow Rebecca on Instagram here - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here - Visit her website for more information here $1,000 Discount on Slay Certification Program Rebecca is offering a $1,000 discount on her Slay Certification Program to members of Podcast+. This one-of-a-kind coaching program equips you with the essential tools to help people effectively navigate narcissistic or difficult people by applying the transformative power of the SLAY® Method. 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!

As a manager, you are entrusted to lead and manage your team, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always get things right. When you have power and authority, it can be challenging to own your shortfalls and mistakes. After all, you are someone that your team members look up to. But our guest thinks otherwise. He believes that showing up with radical humility builds trust, fosters connection, and creates a psychologically safe environment. So, how do you practice humility as a leader? Today’s guest is Urs Koenig, a former United Nations military peacekeeper and NATO military peacekeeping commander. He is a highly accomplished ultra-endurance champion, a widely published professor, and a seasoned executive coach and keynote speaker with more than three decades of experience helping hundreds of leaders and dozens of executive teams unlock new levels of achievement across four continents. He is the founder of the Radical Humility Leadership Institute and speaks frequently on the topic of leadership to corporations and associations across the globe. Urs and I talk about the importance of humility in leadership, emphasizing self-awareness, relational leadership, and a growth mindset. He also explains the need for modern leadership to depart from the traditional command-and-control model in favor of one that empowers team members and builds trust. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+members, Urs breaks down the five mental shifts that every leader must make and how to lead like a compass. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Urs Koenig - Grab a copy of Urs book here - Follow Urs on LinkedIn here - Check his website for more information here FREE Radical Humility NOW Leadership Prompts Urs is providing members of Podcast+ a PDF of the Radical Humility NOW Leadership NOW Prompts. These are exercises from the book that can help you apply Radical Humility in your leadership and life. 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

Have you ever felt that your one-on-one meetings aren’t as effective as they should be? Before you write them off your calendar, consider this: a Gallup study reveals that employees are three times more engaged when they experience regular one-on-ones. But let’s face it—one-on-ones take up a significant portion of your time. They aren’t as easy as asking your team members, “How are you?”. Fortunately, this week’s guest is here to help make your one-on-ones more valuable to you and your people. Meet Dr. Steven Rogelberg. Steven is an organizational psychologist and holds the distinguished title of Chancellor’s Professor at UNC Charlotte. His new book Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings was designated as a top 12 book by SHRM. He and his work have been featured on CBS Sunday, CNN, MSN, HBR, WSJ, and BBC World, to name a few. Adam Grant has called Steven the world’s leading expert on meetings. In this episode, Steven and I explore the significance of one-on-one meetings between managers and their direct reports. He shares the benefits of regular one-on-ones and offers practical, actionable tips to make these meetings more effective. Plus, in the extended episode available to members of Podcast+, he discusses how these meetings can become an integral part of organizational culture and explains the powerful concept of skip-level one-on-ones. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Steven - Follow Steven on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of Steven’s book here FREE Guide Questions to Ask During One-on-One Meetings In lieu of this week’s episode, Mamie is providing members of Podcast Plus with a list of more than 30 questions to ask during your one-on-one meetings. 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!

As a manager, you have a lot on your plate. Investing in relational time can sometimes feel like a nice-to-have rather than a must-do. But making time to build strong relationships and connections at work should be your top priority. It’s the single most impactful thing you can do for your career. Why? Today’s guest explains it all. Today’s guest is Patricia Bathory. Patricia combines her roles as a seasoned psychotherapist and the founder of a thriving import/export business to offer unique insights into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and leaders. Join Patricia and me as we talk about why investing in building strong workplace relationships and connections is vital, how to communicate expectations clearly, and the importance of empathy and understanding in the workplace. Whether you’re working with 5 to 500 colleagues, this episode is packed with insights on improving your relational skills even with people you may not necessarily like or agree with. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Grab The Modern Manager Skills Accelerator Bundle here Keep up with Patricia - Follow Patricia on LinkedIn here - Check out her other works here Get 10% off Connected: Building Relationships to Achieve Success and Make a Lasting Impact In Connected, Patricia Bathory reveals the importance of building a strong network of relationships (our village) to support us as we pursue our dreams. Drawing from her business experience, research into successful people’s relationships, and therapy practice, she shows readers how to master the art of connecting to lead healthier, happier, and more meaningful lives 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!

One of the toughest transitions for any leader is moving from doing the work to leading others who do the work. As a manager, it’s still expected that you’ll roll up your sleeves and get work done. However, as your role grows more complex, it becomes clear that effective leadership means empowering your team to take on more of those tasks. Delegating, however, isn’t as simple as it seems. Managers, often former high-performing contributors, can find it frustrating to hand off responsibilities, especially when the results don’t meet their expectations. When this happens, the issue isn’t usually with the team member but with how the task was delegated. So, how do you delegate effectively? Today, we will break down the 5 S’s of delegation and explain how each method ensures your team members are in the growth zone for optimal performance. I’ll also share real-life examples of how I delegate tasks to my team and in the extended episode available to members of Podcast+, I share a bonus delegation tip that has made a huge difference in my workflow. Are you ready to master the art of delegation? Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here - Grab The Modern Manager Skills Accelerator Bundle here FREE Delegation Workbook To help you take steps to delegate more responsibilities and to delegate more effectively, members of Podcast+ get the delegation workbook which recaps these five approaches and provides tips or suggestions for how to use each one. 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!

When you think of project management, what first comes to mind? For many folks, it’s associated with getting certified to lead the execution of major projects. You can even hold the title of Project Manager in some businesses! Yet, much of what all managers do–setting goals, creating plans, managing teams–is essentially project management. We’ve quietly slipped into the project manager role, just without the official title. However, working intuitively in this capacity can lead to challenges. Today’s guest is here to set us on the right path toward project success. Meet Kory Kogon. Kory Kogan is FranklinCovey’s vice president of Content and Senior Consultant. She is the co-author of Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager and has appeared as an expert on TODAY, MSNBC’s Your Business, Forbes.com, Inc.com, and FastCompany.com. She is also one of the authors of the following FranklinCovey work sessions: The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity®, Project Management Essentials for the Unofficial Project Manager™, and Presentation Advantage®. Kory brings more than 25 years of business expertise, from frontline positions to an executive team member. In this episode, Kory explains how intuitive project management skills from our personal lives can be applied in professional settings. She emphasizes the importance of combining value, people, and process for project success, shares a practical 5-step framework for effective project management, offers tips to keep projects moving forward and on track, and much more. Join the conversation now and discover how to elevate your project management skills! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here Keep up with Kory Kogon - Follow Kory on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of her book here FREE Copies of Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager Kory is providing 2 copies of Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager to members of Podcast+. To win one of these copies, you must enter the drawing by July 10th. To get this guest 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!

Dealing with stressful conversations is never easy; whether you’re telling a client the project is delayed or relaying a bad performance review to a team member. But as managers, we can’t just avoid these conversations. Putting them off may protect us from our vulnerabilities, but they actually get in the way of having authentic and productive conversations with our teams. So, how do we navigate the emotional rollercoaster of a stressful conversation? How do we make sure they actually lead to something positive? Today’s guest will walk us through how we can engage in difficult conversations most productively. Joining me today is Candice Elliott. Candice is a Fractional CHRO and HR Mentor for business and non-profit leaders. She focuses on the intersection of public health, organizational and community development, helping leaders foster cultures of healing where they and their teams can thrive. In this episode, Candice walks us through the four Fs of stress responses. She also discusses the importance of creating a safe work environment through trust and relationship-building, plus helpful physical techniques to release stress and much more. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here Keep up with Candice Elliott - Follow Candice on Instagram and LinkedIn - Visit her website for more information here Free 45-Minute Burnout Buster Consult Candice is offering members of Podcast+ a free Burnout Buster Consult. During this 45-minute session, you’ll identify the most impactful next step you can take toward preventing burnout for you and your team. To get these guest bonuses 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!

Meetings are an important part of how we collaborate, but too often, they feel more like a waste of time rather than a productive engagement. How often have you left a meeting feeling like you’ve lost time and momentum? Our guest has found a way to reclaim your time and make every meeting count. Today’s guest is Yari Ising. Yari is the founder of The Ising Agency, a firm offering operations, recruiting, and admin support for stretched-thin in-house teams. With over 10 years of experience leading teams, she has seen firsthand the common blindspots that managers have, along with what employees need most from managers. Yari reveals her “unusual” yet proven strategies and practices that have helped her team and clients improve their meetings and get more done. We explore the benefits of no-meeting days, the exit strategy, and more meetings dos and don’ts. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here Keep up with Yari - Follow Yari on LinkedIn here - Check more of Yari’s works here Free Workshop Handout for Optimizing Meeting Participation Download my workshop handout for optimizing meeting participation. You’ll learn how to decide who should be engaged before, during and after a meeting, how to engage them, and how to make the shift from everyone being invited to engaging people appropriately at each stage. To get these guest bonuses 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!

Teamwork makes the dream work. But does it? Most of us believe that being a team means nurturing teamwork, embracing camaraderie, and supporting each other emotionally. However, these factors, although very important, aren't essential for every type of team. Today’s guest will unpack what makes a team and how to build a strong one. Meet James Scouller. James is an executive coach, thought leader, former CEO, and expert in building teams. He is also the author of the trilogy How to Build Winning Teams Again and Again and Again, the first series of handbooks to explain the psychology, principles, and road maps behind team success. Known for his expertise in leadership and team dynamics, James discusses what truly defines a team, highlighting his 3 Cs model–Commit, Combust, Combine–and how it builds winning teams. He also provides real-world examples of different types of teams at work, explains how managers can support their teams through the stages of effective team formation, emphasizes the importance of trust and clear unifying goals, and much more. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here - Build your team’s skills here Keep up with James - Follow James on LinkedIn and Twitter - Grab a copy of his book here - Visit Leadership Mastery Suite here 3 Exclusive Bonuses For Podcast+ Members James is providing 3 amazing bonuses to members of Podcast+: To get these guest bonuses 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!

Do you feel overwhelmed as you step into your first management role? Climbing up the corporate ladder can be exciting, but research shows that transitioning from an individual contributor into a manager role is one of the most challenging and stressful periods in a person’s career. Many new managers don’t easily make the psychological transition from an individual contributor paid to perform tasks to a manager entrusted with achieving results through others’ efforts. But that’s exactly what we need to do. Meet Eric Girard. Eric is the CEO of Girard Training Solutions and the author of Lead Like a Pro: The Essential Guide for New Managers. He has over 30 years of experience helping improve the performance of managers and employees. He specializes in the development of new managers, focusing on their successful transition to their new role and on their team management skills. Eric and I talk about the key skills and mindset shift that new and not-so-new managers need to succeed in building a strong, thriving team. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Eric: - Follow Eric on LinkedIn here - Join Eric’s Lead Like a Pro Workshop here - Grab a copy of his book, Lead Like a Pro here - Build your team’s skills here Giveaway: 4 Copies of “Lead Like a Pro” Eric is giving away 4 signed copies of his book, Lead Like a Pro: An Essential Guide For New Managers. This book is your roadmap to becoming a successful manager people will want to work with. As Eric explains, anyone who wants to thrive in a new management position, get the most from their teams, and contribute to their organization’s success must transform themselves from an individual contributor who can manage tasks into someone who’s great at managing people. To get this guest 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!

Have you tried ChatGPT yet? AI is taking the business world by storm and AI tools have now become an integral part of daily workflows. While many businesses are already discovering ways to adopt and leverage AI, a lot of managers I speak with aren't sure how to take advantage of it. In this week's episode, I share my list of top picks of innovative AI tools that can dramatically boost your team's productivity. From AI-driven task generators that simplify project planning to advanced writing tools that improve your writing and communication skills, I have it all covered just for you. Whether you're a seasoned team manager or just someone looking to elevate your skills with AI, this episode is packed with information. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here My Personal Task Management System (Behind-the-Scenes) Members of Podcast+ get a behind-the-scenes look at my personal task management system where I share all my tips and tricks for how I capture tasks, plan my day, and use Asana and Akiflow to keep myself organized and on track. 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!

Vulnerability is a key ingredient in nurturing meaningful personal relationships, but does it hold the same weight in a professional context? Brené Brown has popularized the idea of vulnerability, but how we act vulnerable in the workplace differs from how we show vulnerability in personal spaces. After all, work comes with its own set of challenges–from managing teams and pleasing customers to hitting tight deadlines, all laden with overtones of power dynamics. This week’s guest is here to shed some light on why and how we should be vulnerable and confident at work. Today’s guest is Jacob Morgan. Jacob is the best-selling author of five books, including his most recent, Leading With Vulnerability, which is based on over 100 CEO interviews and a survey of 14,000 employees. He is also a professionally trained futurist and speaker. Jacob unpacks the simple yet effective equation of vulnerability + leadership, and how by combining these two ingredients, you can lead your team effectively. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics “I” Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Jacob Morgan - Follow Jacob on LinkedIn and Twitter - Listen to his podcast here - Grab a copy of his book here - Visit his website for more information here Free Sample of “Leading With Vulnerability” Jacob Morgan is happy to offer a 23-page sample of his book, “Leading With Vulnerability”. Based on over 100 CEO interviews and a survey of nearly 14,000 employees, Jacob shares candid stories and original research that shows how leaders can tap into vulnerability to transform themselves, their teams, and their organizations. To get this guest 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!

When you think of a successful career, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not generosity–a term not often associated with the business world. However, generosity in leadership is about giving of oneself–time, attention, and mentorship–for everyone’s gain. And that’s a powerful business strategy. Generous leaders invest in their team’s growth and well-being. They cultivate a culture of trust and collaboration, where each team member’s potential is nurtured and celebrated. And our guest offers profound insights into this leadership style. Today’s guest is Joe Davis. Joe is a Managing Director and Senior Partner at the Boston Consulting Group, where he has been for 37 years. His new book, ‘The Generous Leader: 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone's Gain,’ reflects his passion for people and his desire to support their development and inspire teams to work better than they thought possible. Joe shares what it means to be a generous leader and how you can become one in seven simple ways. We also discuss how a generous leader listens and communicates to support their team, the power of doing small acts for your team, and much more. Join the conversation now! 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. Conversation Topics Additional Resources: - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month - Read the full transcript here - Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here Keep up with Joe Davis - Grab a copy of his book, The Generous Leader, here - Follow Joe on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram - Check out his website for more information here Giveaway - 5 Copies of “The Generous Leader: 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone’s Gain” Joe Davis’s book, The Generous Leader, is an innovative and insightful 7-part guide to heartfelt and collaborative actions that transform the reader into a generous leader. It is for anyone seeking to elevate their heart, lead with humanity, and live a life of deep integrity. You must enter the drawing by Wednesday, May 8. To get this guest 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!