The Modern Manager

Most workplaces focus too much on structure and not enough on fun. But what if the secret to a thriving team was something unexpected—like improv? Fortunately, today’s guest is here to break down everything you need to know about improv and how it can benefit you and your team. Meet Joel Zeff. Joel creates energy. His spontaneous humor and vital messages have thrilled audiences for more than 25 years. As a national speaker, work culture expert, author, and humorist, Joel captivates audiences with a unique blend of hilarious improvisational comedy and essential ideas on work and life. He has shared his experience and insight on collaboration, leadership, change, communication, innovation, fun and passion at more than 2,500 events. His new book, “Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work,” is now available. In this episode, you’ll discover practical ideas for bringing fun into the workplace—from skit nights to appreciation rituals–in ways that translate to greater collaboration every day. Joel and I also discuss why great leaders should focus on setting their teams up for success rather than simply directing them. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we talk about navigating change with an improv-inspired mindset. 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 (and how to introduce it)“team currency” 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Joel Zeff - Follow Joel on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of his book Make the Right Choice here - Visit his website for more information here Free Excerpt on Teamwork from Make the Right Choice Joel is providing members of Podcast+ with an excerpt on Teamwork from his book Make the Right Choice. 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!

We all have thought patterns that work against us—whether it’s feeling like an imposter, overextending ourselves at work, or assuming the worst in situations. Today’s guest breaks down eight negative mindsets that prevent professionals from thriving. Meet Cynthia Pong. Cynthia is an award-winning executive coach and speaker who empowers women of color leaders to advance their careers into positions of power. A Forbes Contributor and LinkedIn Top Voice for Job Search and Career, she has been featured in HBR, The Atlantic, and on NBC, CBS, NPR, and more. Cynthia’s book, Don’t Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color, has cemented her as a foremost voice on career advancement, negotiation, and thought leadership. In this episode, Cynthia shares how we can recognize and reframe limiting beliefs, such as the martyr complex, regretful thinking, and comparison bias, to step into our power with confidence. Through real-world examples, you’ll learn actionable strategies to develop a growth mindset, set healthier work boundaries, and show up as your best self. 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 isn’t 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Watch this quick lesson on Imposter Syndrome - Check out the Self-Compassion Skills Workbook Keep up with Cynthia Pong - Follow Cynthia on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here - Explore her work on Forbes here FREE PDF: Overcome Negative Beliefs Cynthia is giving members of Podcast+ a Free 10+ page PDF that includes activities to address the Martyr Complex, Locus of Control, and Comparison Bias to help you overcome negative beliefs. 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!

Do you realize how important virtual communications are to your team’s effectiveness? Except for in-person meetings, all our communications with our colleagues happen virtually. This is true whether you’re fully remote, hybrid, or even in-office. But what if you could communicate clearly and authentically every time, no matter the virtual method? That’s exactly what today’s guest is here for. Meet Andrew Brodsky. Andrew is the CEO of Ping Group and an award-winning professor at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. He is the author Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication and was named one of Poets&Quants' “World’s 40 Best Business School Professors Under 40”. Andrew specializes in workplace technology, communication, and productivity, and today, he is going to share his science-backed strategies for communicating effectively through virtual modalities. We dive into why even in-office teams are communicating virtually more than ever, how different modes (like audio vs. video) affect perceived authenticity, and practical tips for setting communication norms in the workplace. In the extended episode available to Podcast+, we explore the dangers of relying too heavily on AI to help you manage your communication and how to avoid misinterpretations in virtual communication. 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here - Watch this episode on Brainstorming Hacks Keep up with Andrew Brodsky - Follow Andrew on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of his book here FREE PDF: Virtual Communication Styles Tool Andrew is providing members of Podcast+ his Virtual Communication Styles Tool. This tool will not only help you identify your virtual communication style but it will also help you adapt your communication approach to facilitate clearer exchanges, forge stronger connections in virtual settings, and achieve your communication goals. 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!

You’ve probably heard that hiring the best talent is the key to building a high-performing team. But what if that’s only half the truth? Thankfully, today’s guest will reveal what it really takes to build the best team ever. Today’s guest is David Burkus. One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David’s forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are changing how companies approach leadership, teamwork, and collaboration. A skilled researcher and inspiring communicator, David is the bestselling author of five books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. Since 2017, David has been ranked multiple times as one of the world’s top business thought leaders. In this episode, David shares why the best teams aren’t necessarily the most talented—they’re the ones with the strongest culture. He breaks down three key elements that make teams thrive, including the incredible story of Alan Mulally’s turnaround at Ford Motor Company. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we dive into practical ways to get your team actively involved in cultivating a strong culture. 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 “team” cultivated 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with David Burkus - Follow David on LinkedIn here - Subscribe to David’s YouTube channel here - Grab a copy of his book Best Team Ever! Here Free PDF Guides for Manual of Me and Team Charter David is providing members of Podcast+ with two guides - The Manual of Me and Team Charter which he speaks about in the extended episode. Originally conceived by Ben Dattner, Manual of Me is a really useful tool for showing people how they can best work with you. The Team Charter is a living document that will be used to develop shared understanding and expectations about working together as a team moving forward. 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!

Does your team struggle to collaborate effectively due to clashing personalities? Say no more. Today’s guest is here to dive deep into how you can enhance your team dynamics using DiSC. Meet Jen Fox. Jen has spent the last 25 years working inside and outside of global organizations, listening to employees, facilitating learning, and leading cultural change. Hailed as one of the "most no-nonsense learning & development professionals on the planet", she brings pragmatic solutions to the most complex workplace challenges. She is a trusted executive coach, dynamic facilitator, and advocate for flexible work. And she was recently recognized as a Top 10 DiSC Provider by ManageHR Magazine. In this episode, Jen shares how the DiSC profile assessment can unlock your team’s potential through self-awareness and an understanding of different working styles. Learn how DiSc categorizes behaviors into four main styles—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and how managers can leverage this knowledge to delegate tasks, motivate employees, and resolve conflicts. 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Jen Fox - Follow Jen on LinkedIn here - Visit Jen’s website here 20% OFF INDIVIDUAL DiSC ASSESSMENT Jen is offering a 20% discount on any individual DiSC assessment. In addition, if you'd like to bring DiSC to your team meeting or offsite, you'll receive 20% off all assessments for your workshop as long as you book by April 30, 2025. 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!

You’ve heard it before: “People don’t quit jobs; they quit bad bosses.” But is that really the whole story? Why do employees really leave their jobs? That’s exactly what we’ll answer today with our guest. Meet Michael Horn. Michael is the co-author of Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress In Your Career. Michael strives to create a world in which all individuals can build their passions, fulfill their potential, and live a life of purpose. He is the author of several books, including the award-winning Disrupting Class, Choosing College, Blended, and From Reopen to Reinvent. He is the co-founder and a distinguished fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, a non-profit think tank, and teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He also co-hosts the top higher education podcast, Future U., writes the popular Substack newsletter The Future of Education, and is a regular contributor to Forbes.com. In this episode, Michael shares his research into job transitions, highlighting the four distinct clusters and how managers can better support their teams. We explore how understanding each team member’s personal goals, life circumstances, and work preferences can create a stronger, more aligned team. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Michael dives into strategies for how managers can take control of the situation, work with HR for extra support, and leverage practical tools like personal cheat sheets to improve communication between managers and employees. 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 “Jobs to Be Done” push“pull” “pushes” “pulls” (and dissatisfaction) 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Michael Horn - Follow Michael on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of Michael’s new book, Job Moves, here Book Giveaway: 5 Free Signed Copies of Job Moves Michael is giving away five copies of his book Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress In Your Career to members of Podcast+. Full of useful activities and tools, Job Moves offers the timeless framework of our generation to help anyone create a career that will be happier and more fulfilling. You must enter the drawing by February 28th. 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 ever held back in a meeting, fearing how your words might be received? Fear often takes the driver’s seat in our communication, keeping us from building better relationships and unlocking new opportunities. But what if you could overcome those fears? This week’s guest is here to help you do just that. Meet Michelle Gladieux. Michelle is the author of Communicate with Courage, a transformative and award-winning bravery manual for your personal and professional life. She leads a consulting company offering development programs across sectors (for profit, non-profit, government, academia, and industry) and has been called a human potential whisperer who loves what she does - and it shows! Today, Michelle reveals the four hidden challenges blocking our communication potential and shares actionable advice to help you become a courageous communicator. In the extended episode available to members of Podcast+, Michelle dives deeper, discussing how managers can empower their teams to communicate courageously and how feedback can be a powerful tool for growth. 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Michelle Gladieux - Follow Michelle on Instagram here - Sign up for Michelle’s quarterly newsletters here - Grab a copy of her book Communicate with Courage here FREE PDF Download of 10 Tips to Turn Up Your Courage as a Communicator Michelle is providing members of Podcast+ a Free PDF download of 10 Tips to Turn Up Your Courage as a Communicator. This tip sheet is exclusively available to Modern Manager Podcast+ members! 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!

Why do people often struggle to follow through on their responsibilities, even after they agree to do so in a meeting? Today’s guest is here to unpack this exact issue and offers practical solutions to help you and your team get things done. Meet Steven Blue. Steven is the CEO of Miller Ingenuity, which creates high technology products that save lives and preserve the environment. He is a keynote speaker and has addressed audiences at Harvard Business School, The United Nations, Carnegie Hall, The Safe America Foundation, and many more. Steven is also the CEO in residence at Winona State University and author of 5 best-selling books including Mastering the Art of Success, The $10 Million Dollar Employee and Metamorphosis. He works with executives, leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to learn how to maximize their company’s growth through fostering company culture and innovation. In this episode, Steven and I dive into why employees sometimes fail to follow through and what managers can do to address these challenges—from mentoring to clear delegation to creating a workplace culture that empowers employees. In the extended episode available to members of Podast+, you’ll also hear powerful examples of what happens when values are aligned and how intentional culture-building transforms organizations. 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 “not to know” 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Steven Blue - Follow Steven on LinkedIn here - Visit Steven’s official website for more information here Free Book or Coaching Session for 5 Members of Podcast+ Steve is offering five members of Podcast+ either a Free copy of Unlocking Success: Inspiring Tales of Resilience, Innovation, and Growth or a private 1-hour coaching session with him. In Unlocking Success, Jack Canfield, the co-creator of the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, joins forces with an exceptional group of professionals from around the globe to bring you a collection of stories that illuminate the power of resilience, creativity, and determination. Each chapter offers a unique glimpse into the journey of individuals who faced adversity, embraced innovation, and transformed obstacles into opportunities. 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!

How often do you send an email only to spend hours clarifying it later? Or find yourself rewriting a team member’s work to get it “right”? Mastering written communication–whether in emails, reports, proposals, or Slack messages–is more important than ever given how we collaborate today. Thankfully, today’s guest is here to share the ins and outs of effective writing. Meet Davina Stanley. Davina is the founder of the Clarity First Program, which helps C-suite executives and their teams better engage senior leaders and boards in complex ideas. In this episode, Davina and I dive into how strategic thinking and structured frameworks can transform written communication, enabling managers and teams to convey their ideas with clarity and impact. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we explore how managers can empower their teams to write impactful communications and how AI can be a powerful tool to improve your writing skills. 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Davina Stanley - Follow Davina on LinkedIn here - Check out her written works and other services here 20% Off All Resources Davina is giving members of Podcast+ 20% off all her resources which includes her online courses and other tools to help managers and their teams clarify and convey complex ideas. 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 it comes to leadership, emotional intelligence often gets overlooked. For years, the American work culture has emphasized suppressing emotions in the workplace. But times are changing. Today, emotional intelligence is as crucial as any leadership skill–if not the most essential. Our guest is here to show us why it matters and how to manage our emotions effectively. Meet Roberta Fernandez. Roberta is a professional development consultant specializing in emotional intelligence and organizational cultural change. She holds a Master Practitioner certification in NLP and is a Board-certified Hypnotherapist, making her uniquely skilled in understanding human behavior. Roberta’s past clients form a diverse portfolio, including Kemps, Sam’s Club, Target, Optum, Pentair, governments, academic institutions, and private small businesses. In this episode, Roberta and I explore the transformative power of emotional intelligence in the workplace. Roberta shares how emotions influence behavior and introduces practical tools for managing team dynamics effectively. With practical tips on staying calm in heated situations, navigating tough conversations, and recognizing workplace emotions, this episode is packed with insights to improve your leadership and collaboration skills. 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Roberta Fernandez - Follow Roberta on LinkedIn and Instagram - Visit her website for more information here FREE Emotional Intelligence Assessment and the Frame Tool Roberta is providing members of Podcast+ with access to her emotional intelligence assessment as well as “the frame” tool, which she explains in the extended episode. 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 a workplace where every decision begins with a single, powerful question, “How will this affect our people?”. This is the cornerstone of a people-first culture–a philosophy that integrates employee well-being into every facet of a company’s operations. But what does this look like in action? Thankfully, this week’s guest is here to share what he’s learned along the way of building people-first organizations. Today’s guest is Michel Falcon. With 15 years of experience building his own companies, consulting for some of the largest, and writing a bestselling book, Michel has the real-world experience to share what exactly makes high-performing teams, how to design and deliver never-seen-before customer experiences and build thriving companies in any market. As a speaker, Michel has been on stages around the world from Toronto and New York to Riyadh and Melbourne leaving audiences with ideas they can apply within their organizations and teams instantly. Michel reveals how a focus on employees, customers, and stakeholders can drive lasting success. With strategies like 3P framework–Purpose, Process, and Profit–Michel explains why treating everyone as your “best customer” changes everything. In the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Michel shares his unusual hiring process, including group interviews, detailed career descriptions, and special onboarding gift–all designed to set employees up for success. 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 not 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Michel Falcon - Follow Michel on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn - Visit Teams by Michel Falcon for more information here - Grab a copy of Michel’s book People-First Culture here FREE Consultation with Michel Falcon Michel is offering a free consultation to one member of Podcast+. You can use this time to get advice or pick Michel’s brain on how to help you, your team, or your organization, foster a people-first culture. 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!

Great workshops deliver clarity, improved collaboration, and actionable outcomes. Now, imagine if you and your team could approach every workday with the same high energy and focus as you feel during a great workshop. That’s exactly what today’s guest is here to help us achieve–building a workshop culture in the workplace. Meet Alison Coward. Alison is the founder of Bracket, a consultancy that partners with ambitious, forward-thinking companies to help them build high-performing team cultures. She is a team culture coach, workshop facilitator, trainer, keynote speaker, and author of “Workshop Culture: A Guide to Building Teams That Thrive” and “A Pocket Guide to Effective Workshops”. Her clients include Google, Meta, Wellcome, and the V&A. With 20 years of experience working in, leading, and facilitating creative teams, Alison is passionate about finding the balance between creativity, productivity, and collaboration so that teams can thrive and do their best work together. In this episode, Alison and I discuss what a workshop culture is, how it differs from traditional workplace models, and how managers can become effective facilitators. She also shares insights into what it looks like for a team to adopt a workshop culture, the behavioral changes that come with this shift, tips for translating workshop principles–like creativity, collaboration, and inclusion—into everyday team practices, 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Alison Coward - Grab a copy of Alison’s book: “Workshop Culture: A Guide to Building Teams that Thrive” here - Follow Alison on LinkedIn here - Visit Bracket for more information here Book Discount: 30% off “Workshop Culture: A Guide to Building Teams That Thrive” Alison is providing members of Podcast+ 30% off her book “Workshop Culture: A Guide to Building Teams That Thrive”. This book will show you how to create a happy and engaged team through small actions which lead to big results. It features a practical and accessible toolkit to help improve your team’s performance and productivity. 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!

For many years, organizations have leaned on traditional performance management to improve team performance and drive results. However, in today’s fast-changing business world, regular performance feedback–though still important–isn’t enough. That’s where Silver Lining’s Silver Belt Action Plan (SBAP) comes in. Meet Carissa Reiniger. Carissa is the Founder & CEO of Silver Lining, a company with a mission to change the global economy, one small business at a time. Silver Lining is an advocate for economic justice and believes that small businesses are a fundamental element in creating a more just global economy. They work with Small Business Owners from all backgrounds and have the data to prove that when you give anyone, regardless of their demographic details, equal access and opportunity, they can succeed. In this episode, Carissa offers actionable strategies to empower your team, optimize performance, and make professional growth a shared priority. We talk in detail about SBAP, how they allocate human and financial resources for this process, how it influences promotions and raises at Silver Lining, and more. Listen in to discover how you can start implementing this system today. 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 “tough conversation” 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Carissa Reiniger - Follow Carissa on LinkedIn here - Check out SLAP’s Small Business Growth Program here - Visit Silver Lining for more information here FREE Silver Lining SBAP templates Carissa is providing members of Podcast+ with the actual questions and template that Silver Lining uses for their process. 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!

Did you know that many workplaces unintentionally exclude trans and non-binary individuals? Part of the reason for this is the widespread assumption that humanity only fits neatly into two categories: men and women. However, this perspective has never been universally true–and it’s time we challenge it at work. Fortunately, our guest is here to help us understand these gender terminologies and how to build a truly gender-inclusive workplace. Today’s guest is Davey Shlasko. Davey is the founder and director of Think Again Training & Consulting. For over two decades, Davey has cultivated a practice of facilitating adult learning to drive organizational and systemic change for equity and justice, with a unique niche in transgender inclusion. In this episode, Davey defines the different gender terminologies we should be aware of and shares practical strategies for creating workplaces where everyone feels respected. From understanding gender pronouns to designing trans-inclusive policies, this conversation has actionable insights for fostering gender inclusivity at work. 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 shouldn’t isn’t 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Davey Shlasko - Follow Davey on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram - Grab a copy of Davey’s Trans Allyship Workbook here - Visit Think Again Training for more information here Free PDF Checklist on Inclusivity Best Practices Davey is providing members of Podcast+ with a PDF checklist that will help you identify practices that are beginning to work toward inclusion, better practices for inclusion, and finally, “best practices.” 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!

Onboarding sets the tone for an employee’s success. It’s more than just paperwork and introductions–it’s about creating the foundation for engagement, productivity, and belonging. But how can you set your new hires up for success even before their first day of work? Today’s guest will walk us through how to onboard a new employee from start to finish. Meet Dr. Tiffany E. Slater. Tiffany is the Founder & CEO of HR TailorMade - THE human resource solution for small businesses and nonprofits. HR TailorMade partners with nonprofits and small businesses to provide seamless Fractional HR support for their teams. Dr. Tiffany has been an HR professional for over 25 years with experience in all aspects of human resources. She also has experience in a variety of sectors, including union and non-union, PK-12 public education, property management, manufacturing, and casino industries, to name a few. In this episode, Tiffany and I discuss the essential onboarding steps–from pre-start logistics like swag boxes and tech setup to embedding a culture of feedback and performance management. Learn how to keep your new employee engaged, productive, and excited from day one and gain practical tips you can implement immediately. 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 really 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Dr. Tiffany E. Slater - Follow Dr. Tiffany on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook - Visit HR TailorMade’s website for more information here Free Download: Anatomy of a Difficult Conversation Tiffany is giving members of Podcast+ access to her PDF - Anatomy of a Difficult Conversation. This checklist helps prepare all of the information so that the conversation flows smoothly and you are able to answer questions and provide facts when needed. 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!

Your skills alone don’t determine your work performance–it’s also about being in the right physical, mental, and emotional state. That’s where wellness practices come in. In today’s episode, our guest will share powerful practices for incorporating wellness into the workday. Meet Kristel Bauer. Kristel is a corporate wellness and performance expert, keynote speaker and TEDx speaker supporting organizations and individuals on their journeys for more happiness and success. She is the author of Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work and host of her global top self-improvement podcast, Live Greatly. Kristel and I dive into why the traditional work-life balance model no longer works and explore practical tips for blending work with personal fulfillment. From intentional morning routines to micro-breaks and building trust within your team, Kristel highlights how small, powerful changes can transform how you show up at work daily. 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Kristel Bauer - Follow Kristel on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter - Listen to Live Greatly podcast here - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here FREE Stress Management Checklist Kristel is providing her Stress Management Checklist for FREE to members of Podcast+. This PDF includes tips and examples of six approaches Kristel recommends to help you incorporate stress management practices into your life. 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!

Do you struggle with giving your team members more ownership and authority? If you’ve ever wrestled with how to empower your team with confidence, today’s guest will tell you exactly what to do. Meet Brian Irwin. Brian is an author, speaker, coach, and mentor. He has a history of successfully leading management teams through complex transformations. Brian considers himself a "strategic simplifier" and has a passion for bringing humanity back into the workplace. He is also a recovering '80s hair band guitarist. In this week’s episode, Brian reveals his framework for unlocking hidden potential in every team member. His approach revolves around simple, effective tools that empower employees by defining decision-making authority, mapping team competencies, and identifying the hidden costs that hinder productivity. Join the conversation now and learn how to maximize your team’s impact through smarter yet simpler delegation tactics! 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 isn’t 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Brian Irwin - Follow Brian on LinkedIn here - Download his book here - Visit his official website for more information here FREE Hidden Cost Assessment Engagement Brian is offering one member of Podcast+ a hidden costs assessment, usually priced at $10,000. Brian will interview your team members and produce a custom report that includes quotes and a breakout of hidden costs by category. Prior engagements have identified an average of $50,000 per person in hidden costs identified! 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 read your company handbook? As a manager, a simple decision at work could land you in hot water, so reading your company handbook is essential, especially for new managers. You must know not only how to lead effectively but also how to lead legally. That’s where our workplace legal expert comes in. Meet Peter Rahbar. Peter is a workplace legal expert who guides clients through the most important decisions of their professional lives. After almost twenty years of representing major international corporate clients in high-profile matters, including over a decade as the chief employment attorney for a major global media company, Peter founded The Rahbar Group, a boutique employment law practice based in New York City. Peter specializes in representing individuals, including C-Suite executives, media personalities, and other professionals working in finance, media, sports, real estate, fashion, and tech. In this episode, Peter shares essential legal tips for managers: understanding company policies, maintaining professional boundaries, and handling complaints properly. He discusses why managers should avoid treating their teams like a family, how to respond to health disclosures and accommodations, 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 familycan’t 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Peter Rahbar - Connect with Peter on LinkedIn and Instagram - Visit the Rahbar Group’s official website here FREE 30-minute Consultation with Peter Peter is offering a free 30-minute consultation for one member of Podcast+. To enter the drawing, you must be a member and submit your name by Wednesday, November 27th. 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 feeling overwhelmed by tasks that never seem to end? What if I told you that you don’t need another productivity app to reclaim your time? Today’s guest is here to help us recover our time by working smarter. Meet Leslie Shreve. Leslie is a workload management and productivity expert, and the Founder and CEO of Productive Day®. She created Taskology®, a system that has helped hundreds of professionals from various industries increase efficiency and productivity by up to 300%, reclaim hours in their workday, and reduce time spent in their email inbox. Leslie's work has been featured in outlets like Fast Company, The Huffington Post, and Business Management Daily. In this episode, Leslie shares her game-changing strategies for creating a comprehensive workload management system that ties together task, time, email, and information management. You’ll learn why task management, not project management, is the key to personal productivity and how to break down your tasks into small, manageable actions. We also talk about strategies for protecting your time, mastering your inbox, and getting more done in a day with less stress. Tune in now and discover how to build a workload system that works for you. 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 Hintwon’t 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Leslie Shreve - Follow Leslie on LinkedIn and Facebook - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here - Take the productivity quiz now here - Sign up for a FREE 52-week productivity audio series here - Get the special report on Seven Surprising Secrets to Saving Time here - Visit her website for more information here FREE Video on Taskology® Task Management + 20% Off the Full Course Leslie is giving members of Podcast+ a FREE Video on Taskology® Task Management + 20% Off the Full Course. When you dive into the first video in the series for Taskology® Task Management, you'll discover the 3 essentials for getting more accomplished in less time with less stress. You'll also discover the Top 6 Benefits of using a central, digital task list and why this type of list will support you in working more proactively and less reactively, in addition to giving you more clarity, confidence, and control in your workday. 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!

How well do you know your team? It’s not just about knowing each member’s personality; teams have a unique style, too, that shapes how the members collaborate and perform together. That’s where today’s guest comes in. Meet Christopher Morrison. Christopher is the co-founder of TeamDynamics, a pioneering platform designed to optimize team collaboration by providing actionable insights into team dynamics. With a rich background in top consulting firms like McKinsey and extensive experience in technology startups, Christopher developed TeamDynamics to address the limitations of traditional personality tests. His innovative framework, grounded in research and practical experiments, focuses on four key dimensions of team interaction to enhance organizational performance and foster successful, collaborative teams. Today, Christopher explains how TeamDynamics helps leaders enhance collaboration, make better decisions, and improve execution. Plus, in the extended episode available only to Podcast+ members, he offers practical advice on what to do when your team’s preferences don’t align with your leadership style. 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 better worse aren’t what you want how your team works 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Christopher Morrison - Reach out to Christopher at christopher@teamdynamics.io - Visit TeamDynamics for more information here 10% Off TeamDynamics Pro Christopher is providing members of Podcast+ 10% Off TeamDynamics Pro. Invite your team to complete the assessment and receive a guide for understanding how modern teams work together, personalized for your team. 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!