The Modern Manager

Most managers assume burnout is caused by one thing: workload. But in reality, burnout is rarely that simple. It’s usually the result of multiple hidden workplace dynamics that quietly drain energy over time long before anyone officially burns out. In this episode, I break down six overlooked causes of burnout that show up in everyday leadership decisions, from false urgency and unfair treatment to relentless change, limited growth, and feeling undercompensated. You’ll also learn how to recognize early warning signs of burnout, understand what’s really driving disengagement, and take simple, practical steps to prevent it from escalating. By the end of this episode, you’ll see how burnout actually develops beneath the surface and what you can do as a manager to stop it before it spreads across your team. Conversation Topics (00:00) Why burnout is often misdiagnosed as just workload (01:19) The difference between productive stress and destructive drain (02:34) Cause #1: False urgency and constant crisis mode (03:55) Cause #2: Unfair treatment and its ripple effect on trust (05:36) Cause #3: Relentless change without explanation (06:26) Cause #4: Excessive workload and lack of support (07:07) Cause #5: Limited growth opportunities (08:43) Cause #6: Feeling undercompensated (10:01) Why burnout is usually a combination of multiple causes (11:15) [EXTENDED ONLY] How to talk to team members about burnout risk. (12:35) [EXTENDED ONLY] Difference between stress vs burnout progression. (13:51)[EXTENDED ONLY] How to intervene early and prevent escalation. 📚 Additional Resources ✨ Read the transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a0E7D-LtllycG5WsQqnUkCGLdrfP_iXHln44vO1pUPE/edit?usp=sharing ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨ Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨ Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagementSkills #BurnoutPrevention #WorkplaceCulture #TeamLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #PeopleManagement #LeadershipTips #HighPerformanceTeams #WorkLifeBalance #EmotionalIntelligence #ModernLeadership #TheModernManager

Toxic workplaces come in many different forms that we might not always notice. And because we aren’t all affected in the same ways, even the most well-meaning managers can unintentionally contribute to an unhealthy culture if they aren't paying close attention. Aoife O’Brien is an organizational psychologist, leadership expert, and author of Thriving Talent. Her work focuses on helping organizations create environments where people feel psychologically safe, aligned to meaningful work, and able to perform at their best. In this conversation, we explore what actually makes a workplace toxic, practical ways to spot the early warning signs of an unhealthy culture, and clear, everyday actions you can take to foster trust, respect, and psychological safety. Because culture is something you create moment by moment, not something you merely declare. Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q9HGJ3_EkaabC5ZzePq86WUmejsVGJU-KpUjRNzuhT0/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Aoife O’Brien - Connect with Aoife on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien - Follow Happier at Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/happieratworkpodcast - Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie - Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappieratWorkHQ - Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happieratwork Guest Bonus: 10% Off Thriving Talent Book In Thriving Talent, Aoife O’Brien challenges the idea that engagement and performance are trade-offs. Instead, she shows leaders how to create environments where people feel psychologically safe, aligned to meaningful work, and able to use their strengths every day. Blending research with practical tools, the book introduces a clear framework for building cultures that drive performance, engagement, and retention without relying on perks or pressure. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #teamdynamics #teamperformance #conflic #teamalignment #highperformingteams #workplacefriction #collaborationatwork #leadingteams #peoplemanagement #howteamswork

You’re stuck between two options, going back and forth, trying to figure out the “right” choice. Should you hire or not? Change systems or stay the same? Restructure or keep things as they are? The more you think about it, the more stuck you feel. It’s easy to assume the answer is hidden somewhere between those two choices, but often, that’s the real problem. You’re treating a complex decision as if it only has two possible paths. In this quick lesson, I share five practical strategies to help you break out of binary thinking and expand your options. By the end of this lesson, you’ll know how to approach decisions more creatively, uncover better solutions, and move forward with greater confidence, without feeling stuck between “either” and “or.” Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources ✨ Read the transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CqY5XO5bUVxKGO8gxqEneN4DtYWGOoVykBuwYM6C1K4/edit?usp=sharing ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨ Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨ Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagementSkills #DecisionMaking #ProblemSolving #StrategicThinking #LeadershipSkills #ManagerMindset #WorkplaceSuccess #ProfessionalGrowth #CriticalThinking #LeadershipHabits #TheModernManager

We often think our reactions at work are about what’s happening in the moment: a frustrating colleague, a difficult conversation, or a stressful situation. But what if those reactions are actually coming from somewhere else? For many managers, moments of irritation, defensiveness, or emotional overwhelm can feel confusing or even unprofessional. But these responses aren’t random and they’re not a sign that something is wrong with you. Fortunately, this week’s guest explains how our past experiences shape our present-day interactions and how developing self-awareness can help us respond more thoughtfully instead of reacting automatically. Nidhi Tewari is a therapist and leadership expert who helps individuals and organizations build emotional intelligence, navigate interpersonal dynamics, and create healthier, more connected workplaces. In this conversation, we explore why certain people trigger us, how to recognize when your reaction is disproportionate to the moment, and a simple framework you can use to regulate your emotions and lead more effectively. We also discuss how to support team members through difficult moments without crossing the line into becoming their therapist. Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ewlJYvzfKfIScl9mrdHqd61HTW_TuSJKoJGRGse6qEs/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Nidhi Tewari - Follow Nidhi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nidhitewarilcsw/?hl=en - Visit her website: https://www.nidhitewari.com - Check out her book Working Well: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/788782/working-well-by-nidhi-tewari-msw-lcsw-foreword-by-amy-cuddy/ --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

We spend most of our time indoors moving from screens to meetings to more screens without realizing the toll it’s taking on our focus, energy, and overall well-being. For many managers, burnout and fatigue feel like a personal failing or just “part of the job.” But what if the real issue isn’t you… it’s your environment? Fortunately, this week’s guest explains how reconnecting with nature isn’t just about wellness; it’s a powerful, science-backed way to improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and become a more effective leader. Dr. John La Puma is a physician, author, and expert in lifestyle medicine who focuses on how nature, nutrition, and environment impact human performance and health. His work helps leaders rethink how their daily surroundings influence not just their well-being, but also their decision-making, creativity, and relationships at work. In this conversation, we explore how nature affects the brain, why “green” and “blue” spaces improve collaboration and reduce stress, and practical ways managers can bring more outdoor experiences into their workdays and team routines. Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hahKSaofgMpcW6ehwtJn6_L5zQiec4ftymnTfBp7mqs/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Dr. John La Puma - Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlapuma/ - Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnlapuma/ - Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJohnLaPuma/ - Subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drjohnlapuma/ - Visit his website: https://www.drjohnlapuma.com/ - Learn more about The Indoor Epidemic: https://www.drjohnlapuma.com/indoor-epidemic-by-dr-john-la-puma/ Guest Bonus: Free Guide: How To Talk To Your Doctor About A Natural Prescription Dr. John is providing members of Podcast Plus with his guide, "How to Talk to Your Doctor about a Nature Prescription." This one-page guide offers a simple script and prescription layout so you can create your optimal nature prescription. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadershiptips #Burnout #WorkplaceWellbeing #Productivity #MentalHealthAtWork #LeadershipDevelopment #FocusAndProductivity #WorkplaceHealth #ManagerTips #FutureOfWork

Stress is something every manager experiences. Tight deadlines, constant decisions, competing priorities; it can feel like pressure is simply part of the job. Most leaders treat stress like one big, unavoidable force. In reality, stress isn’t just one thing. It appears in different forms, and each requires a different response. When leaders don’t understand the source of their stress, they often try to solve the wrong problem or end up stuck in cycles of overthinking and burnout. Fortunately, this week’s guest shares a practical framework for understanding stress and turning it into something leaders can actually manage. Amy Leneker is a former C-suite executive, a leadership advisor to Fortune 100 companies, and the author of Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy. Her work focuses on helping leaders identify the sources of stress in their work and create simple systems to reduce it while increasing clarity and joy. In this conversation, we explore the different types of stress leaders experience, how stress flows through teams, and practical ways managers can help their teams talk about stress more openly and productively. Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nZOOgSIPaHiVT4PukpfR74wy8Drp-Lzah9AHMhadf3s/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep Up with Amy Leneker - Follow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.leneker/ - Check out her book Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy. https://www.amazon.com/Cheers-Monday-Surprisingly-Simple-Method/dp/1394388802 Guest Bonus: Book Giveaway 3 Copies of "Cheers to Monday" Amy is giving away 3 copies of her new book, Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy. You must enter the drawing by April 17th. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadership #TeamLeadership #WorkplaceStress #LeadershipSkills #ManagementTips #LeadershipDevelopment #BurnoutPrevention #TeamManagement #ManagerTips #FutureOfWork

Empathy is often talked about as a “soft skill,” but in reality, it can be one of the most powerful leadership strategies for building trust, improving collaboration, and helping teams perform at their best. When leaders understand the experiences and stories that shape how people think, communicate, and respond under pressure, they can lead in ways that make team members feel truly seen and supported. But empathy at work isn’t just about being kind or having surface-level conversations. It requires curiosity, listening, and taking action based on what you learn. This week’s guest shares practical ways leaders can bring empathy into everyday workplace interactions, from asking better questions to creating small moments where team members can share their stories and build stronger connections. Leilani Garrett spent more than two decades in corporate sales and leadership, navigating high-stakes environments, leading teams, and closing multi-million-dollar deals. Today, she’s a creative force redefining leadership, connection, and culture through storytelling. Her work bridges personal growth and organizational impact, helping leaders and teams break down silos, build trust, and show up more fully human. In this conversation, we explore how empathy strengthens leadership, why curiosity is essential for understanding your team, and simple activities managers can use to create deeper trust and collaboration. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s24gnyedl7h6XumSMgQSaT9489bw661mUCOBlfqAgEQ/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Leilani Garrett - Connect with Leilani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilanigarrett/ - Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lahhnee/ Guest Bonus: 20% Off Leilani’s Services Leilani provides leaders and teams with tools to communicate more honestly, lead more empathetically, and thrive collectively. Learn more about her services here. Discount is available through August 2026. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadership #EmpathyInLeadership #ManagementSkills #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #TheModernManager #MamieKanferStewart #LeadershipPodcast

Change is constant. But too often, leaders treat change as a project instead of a core leadership skill. That’s when teams disengage, resistance grows, and initiatives stall. The problem isn’t the change itself. It’s how it’s led. Fortunately, this week’s guest shares a powerful new approach to help leaders guide their teams through uncertainty, build trust, and turn resistance into meaningful progress. Yvonne is a Change Management Strategist & Advisor, Founder of The Change Leadership, Author, and a Change Leadership Advocate with over 20 years of experience helping professionals and organizations lead and navigate change in today's disruptive environment. In this conversation, we explore the difference between change leadership and change management, how empathy and adaptability drive adoption, and why resistance is one of the most valuable signals leaders can receive. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BO4nUYvWB6iEJDa1tMiJzBI-xL_d1TtcIVx53OS8fAs/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep Up with Yvonne Akpoveta - Connect with Yvonne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonneakpoveta/ - Access free resources here: https://oliveblue.com/resources - Visit her website: https://thechangeleadership.com/ Guest Bonus: Discount on your virtual or in-person ticket to Change Leadership Conference 2026 At this one-day event, you’ll gain practical strategies, build peer connections, and elevate your credibility as a change leader in a world of constant disruption. Members get $150 off In-person tickets and $45 off Virtual tickets. Promo codes expire April 30th. The Change Leadership Conference is on May 27, 2026. Get your ticket here: https://thechangeleadership.com/change-leadership-conference-2026#tickets 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! #ChangeLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagementSkills #TeamLeadership #ResistanceIsAGift #TheModernManager #MamieKanferStewart #OrganizationalChange #FutureOfWork

Many leaders assume communication is about clarity. But the real challenge is getting people to truly understand, care, and take action. Too often, managers jump straight into slides, updates, or instructions without thinking about the impact of their message. As a result, even important communication falls flat, creates confusion, or leaves teams unsure what to do next. Fortunately, this week’s guest shares a simple yet powerful framework for making every message more intentional, engaging, and effective. Andy Freed is the Chairman of Virtual Inc., a strategic consulting and professional services firm that supports mission-driven organizations across technology, healthcare, and financial services. With more than 30 years of experience leading teams through growth and transformation, Andy is known for helping leaders communicate in ways that spark alignment, action, and trust. He’s also the author of Lead Like The Boss: The Bruce Springsteen Framework to Elevating Your Leadership. In this conversation, we explore how leaders can craft messages that stick, why consistency matters more than novelty, and how to bring energy and authenticity into everyday communication. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the week’s episode's big idea delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cnls8gh0b00TR70jIO6KojI4WsaD_zaNslXfM1VQkx8/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep Up with ​​Andy Freed - Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfreed/ - Visit his website: https://andyfreed.com/ Guest Bonus: 3 Book Giveaways: Lead like the Boss: The Bruce Springsteen Framework to Elevating Your Leadership Following the arc of Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen's legendary stage performances, this book demonstrates how to communicate your ideas to your followers and colleagues in ways that are authentic, intentional, and effective. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #LeadershipCommunication #CommunicationSkills #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerSkills #ExecutiveCommunication #PublicSpeakingTips #BusinessCommunication #ManagementSkills #InfluenceAndPersuasion #ProfessionalCommunication #WorkplaceCommunication #PresentationSkills #PowerPointTips #StorytellingInBusiness #CommunicateClearly #LeadershipGrowth #FutureOfWork #AIInLeadership #ManagerTraining #TheModernManager

Many managers believe pressure drives performance. Others focus heavily on support. But high-performing teams don’t choose one or the other. They operate with both. When expectations are high, but support is low, people become defensive, stressed, and disengaged. When support is high but expectations are low, performance suffers. The real challenge for managers is learning how to balance intensity with kindness so teams feel both challenged and supported. Fortunately, this week’s guest shares a practical and grounded approach to building this balance. Evan Marks, a mental performance coach who has worked in high-stakes environments, explains why people don’t rise to the occasion but fall to their level of training. He also shares how structure, emotional regulation, and clear communication help teams perform under pressure. In this conversation, we explore how to create psychological safety without lowering standards, how to shift from feedback to “feedforward,” and why leaders must model ownership and emotional control if they want their teams to do the same. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! 💡Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+. Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zN2YyAMYJXogkS7Pv1zh_zTFLw19q_K5ZPwa20qq0GU/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmanagerpodcast ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Evan Marks - Connect with Evan on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmarks-m1/ - Explore website here: http://www.m1performancegroup.com/ 📢 Guest Bonus: The 20-Minute Evening Reset This 5-Step Evening Reset gives you the foundation for peak performance. This reset combines breathwork, journaling, goal setting, and clearing mental clutter so you wake up as your most focused, composed self. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.

Many teams struggle with the same invisible problem: unspoken norms that quietly undermine collaboration, performance, and trust. Even when leaders want better behaviors, more ownership, healthier boundaries, and stronger collaboration, change often stalls because no one has named what’s actually happening. Fortunately, this week’s guest helps managers put language to the hidden norms shaping their teams and offers a practical way to replace judgment-based practices with norms that help people do their best work. Nilofer Merchant is a bestselling author, speaker, and thought leader on innovation, collaboration, and organizational culture. In her work, she focuses on helping leaders identify the outdated norms holding teams back and redesign work in ways that unlock human potential. She is the author of Our Best Work and founder of The Intangible Labs. In this conversation, we explore how managers can surface unspoken norms, talk about them without defensiveness, and create shared ownership for cultural change. We also discuss why real change requires choice, not control, and how small shifts in language and process can cascade into healthier team dynamics. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the week’s episode's big idea delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gi5EaI0UEf6AAUlTP56KXuQWU2Uv_tLNoq1ciyKI4Jg/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Nilofer Merchant - Connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilofermerchant/ Guest Bonus: Early Access to the Growth Assessment Intangibles now drive 84% of value creation, yet most managers are flying blind. This early access gives you visibility into the invisible drivers of growth and data on what actually happens when you address what matters. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadership #Management #WorkplaceCulture #TeamCulture #OrganizationalCulture

Managing a team gets especially challenging when emotions run high. Whether it’s you who regularly rides the emotional rollercoaster or a team member who explodes in meetings, shuts down during feedback, or feels unpredictable from one conversation to the next, many managers struggle with how to respond when emotions show up in the workplace. Fortunately, this week’s guest offers a grounded framework for supporting emotional intensity at work without becoming a therapist and without ignoring what’s really happening. Jordana Eyre is the founder of Spiral Growth Systems and the creator of the Spiral Leadership Methodology, a transformational framework designed to help leaders work with time, energy, emotions, and growth in non-linear ways. Known as the Chief Sorceress of Life & Business, Jordana helps leaders expand their capacity, regulate their nervous systems, and lead with greater presence and clarity. In this conversation, we explore how leaders can hold space for emotions without fixing or minimizing them, when support crosses into referral, and how emotional safety creates stronger teams over time. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the week’s episode's big idea delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mSaEY2s0yvDn3oYir1bJvsteVVTQWght53jY0JR_Z_E/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Jordanna Eyre - LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordannaeyre/ - Visit the website: https://spiralgrowthsystems.com/ Guest Bonus: Free VIP Upgrade for The 5-day Make Time Your Ally Challenge Join the 5-day Make Time Your Ally Challenge to relieve leadership pressure holistically and sustainably by learning to navigate your time and energy with the natural laws of Creation. Modern Manager community members receive an exclusive upgrade to VIP, which includes access to the laser session area for direct support at the General Admission price! To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #ManagementSkills #ModernLeadership #PeopleManagement #ManagingEmotions #WorkplaceEmotions #LeadershipMindset #LeadingTeams #TeamDynamics

Many organizations say they want to invest in people, but their hiring and talent practices often tell a very different story. Degree requirements, limited benefits packages, and poor management practices continue to limit who gets access to opportunity and how teams perform. And the cost shows up everywhere: higher turnover, slower productivity, and missed potential. Fortunately, this week’s guest brings clear data and practical strategies that show how companies can do better for both people and performance. Dr. Angela Jackson is a Workplace Futurist and ESG expert, founder of Future Forward Strategies, and a lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education. She works with entrepreneurs, F100s, and policymakers on the future of work. Dr. Angela holds a doctorate from Harvard University and serves on several boards, including Needham Bancorp. Her book, The Win-Win Workplace, became a New York Times, USA Today, and Los Angeles Times Best Seller If you want to build stronger teams, reduce turnover, and boost performance inside your organization, this episode offers a practical roadmap. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the week’s episode's big idea delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O9rEV0xAVx6z2G3F9o6o3zcyLw5-dZOVj9wumxsSl34/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep Up with Angela Jackson - Connect with her on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/dr-angela-jackson - Follow her on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/angela.jackson.48955/ - Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drangelajackson/ - Read her book here: https://www.readwinwinworkplace.com/ Guest Bonus: 1 Free registration to The Win-Win Workplace Summit The Win-Win Workplace™ Summit is where visionary employers and workplace innovators gather to tackle real challenges. Grounded in research and a commitment to practice, the 2026 Summit is built to spark bold action. Come with real questions. Leave with new strategies, trusted advisors, and partnerships that last long after the event. This is where leaders stop going it alone—and start building what’s next, together. MAY 4-5, 2026 | CHICAGO, IL Learn more about the summit here: https://www.winwinworkplacesummit.org/ If you’re not able to attend the summit, enter the drawing anyway, and you’ll be able to select another event to attend in the US. Enter the drawing by February 27th, 2026. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #Leadership #FutureOfWork #PeopleFirst #ModernManagement #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCulture #TalentDevelopment #SkillsBasedHiring #ManagerTips #WinWinWorkplace #HiringStrategy #TalentManagement #FutureOfWork #SkillsBasedHiring #LeadershipDevelopment #HRInnovation #AngelaJackson #WinWinWorkplace #EmployeeRetention

About 95% of people believe they’re self-aware, but research shows only 10–15% actually are. And that gap matters, especially for managers. Self-awareness shapes how we communicate, make decisions, handle conflict, and interpret others’ behavior. When we don’t understand what’s driving our reactions or how our actions land, we risk creating friction, bias, and misunderstanding on our teams without realizing it. Fortunately, this week’s guest helps us unpack what true self-awareness really is, where it comes from, and how managers can develop it in practical, grounded ways. Dr. Helen Fagan is a leadership development expert and author of Lead Like People Matter. Drawing on neuroscience, intercultural research, and decades of coaching leaders, Helen explains how our values, cultural conditioning, and unconscious brain systems shape how we show up at work and what it takes to interrupt patterns that no longer serve us. In this conversation, we explore how to notice emotional reactions before they hijack us, how to give feedback without attacking identity, and how managers can build self-awareness in themselves and their teams without it feeling awkward. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UYUZ9dQXgxgvbwBKbhAd5DmmwMBMQbEzT8v4UQRVIh4/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep Up With Dr. Helen Fagan - Connect with Helen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drhelenfagan/ - Visit her website: https://helenfagan.com - Listen to the Because People Matter podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/because-people-matter/id1752004691 - Check out her new book, Lead Like People Matter: https://a.co/d/50tCCbw Guest Bonus: 50% Discount on IDI Assessment and Debrief Take the IDI Assessment, which is a psychometric assessment tool that we use for people to gain self-awareness for how they navigate human differences. Get the assessment, your results, and a meeting with one of our Qualified Administrators to better understand their results, as well as a development plan for how to use your results moving forward. Normally priced at $400, get this incredible offer for only $225! To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

You already have a personal brand, whether you’ve chosen it or not. And every meeting, email, and interaction at work is quietly shaping it. Many managers assume personal branding is about being visible online or promoting yourself. But in reality, it’s about how you show up, how others experience working with you, and what people say about you when you’re not in the room. It’s essentially your reputation. This week’s guest helps us unpack what personal brand really means at work and how to be intentional about it without feeling inauthentic, salesy, or self-promotional. Andy Storch is a keynote speaker, author of Own Your Career, Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career, and host of multiple podcasts. He works with leaders and managers to help them build reputations that earn trust, influence stakeholders, and attract opportunity. In this episode, we explore how your internal behaviors, external presence, and everyday choices combine to shape your brand and how small shifts can make a big difference over time. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. If you want more influence, stronger relationships, and greater career opportunities without becoming an “influencer,” this conversation will help you lead with clarity and intention. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CyrOt9hWfHFy54Dg6px0nJZOFChrfNcEXsZ0rF4k1Xg/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep Up with Andy Storch 🔸 Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystorch/ 🔸 Visit Own Your Career, Own Your Life (book) here: https://ownyourbrandbook.com 🔸 Explore Andy’s work and podcast here: https://andystorch.com Guest Bonus: FREE Digital Copy of Own Your Brand, Own Your Career Andy Storch and Mike Kim—two seasoned experts in career development, personal branding, and thought leadership—show you how to position yourself for lasting success strategically. Drawing from decades of experience helping corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders around the world, they reveal how to: → Identify and clarify your unique value, story, and message → Build credibility and visibility inside and outside your organization → Use modern platforms and tools to share your expertise effectively → Create opportunities for promotions, career pivots, and business ventures → Stay authentic while amplifying your impact Packed with real-world examples, step-by-step frameworks, and actionable exercises, this book will equip you to take control of your professional reputation and future—before someone else defines it for you. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! #PersonalBrand #ReputationManagement #Leadership #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerAdvice #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceSuccess #InfluenceAtWork

Hiring a friend can feel both generous and like a leadership landmine waiting to explode. Good intentions aren’t enough when power dynamics shift, boundaries blur, and personal relationships collide with professional expectations. The risk isn’t just losing a friendship; it’s undermining trust, fairness, and team culture if the situation isn’t handled thoughtfully. Fortunately, this week’s guest helps us unpack how to navigate one of leadership’s most uncomfortable decisions with clarity and integrity. Dr. Cindi Baldi is the founder and CEO of Culsure, a management science firm, co-host of the Management Muse podcast, and co-author of the Uncertainty Playbook. From blackjack dealer to PhD in organizational behavior, Cindi has seen the full spectrum of workplace behavior. Now she helps leaders across the country understand their people better through data and decades of consulting experience. Cindy explains when hiring a friend can work, when it absolutely won’t, and how to protect both the relationship and the organization if you decide to move forward. You’ll learn how to say no to a friend without damaging the relationship, what boundaries must be set upfront if you do hire them, and why conflict style in friendships is a strong predictor of workplace behavior. In the extended conversation, Cindy goes deeper into the hidden risks of managing friends, including what must be off-limits once a friend reports to you, how oversharing personal information can undermine fairness and trust, and how to lead with integrity when professional and personal lines start to blur. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bDdd0ol67WBTmohak12Nyi8XKXUOvWjVWfG4edyXDvo/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Cindi Baldi 🔸 Connect with Cindi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindibaldi 🔸 Follow Management Muse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/management-muse-podcast/ 🔸 Subscribe to Management Muse on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ManagementMusePodcast 🔸 Follow Management Muse on Instagram: https://instagram.com/managementmuse 🔸 Follow Management Muse on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/managementmusepodcast Guest Bonus: 3 Book Giveaway: The Uncertainty Playbook: 14 Strategies for Work Success in a Chaotic World There is a blizzard of uncertainty—technological, geopolitical, demographic, climate-related, and more—impacting us at work today, and it is only accelerating. Drawing on two decades of research and practice by organizational scientists Geoffrey Tumlin and Cindi Baldi, this book equips readers with essential strategies to grow and even flourish in unstable times. 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!

Salary conversations are inherently complex and challenging, filled with hidden traps. They are high-stakes, deeply personal, and blend factors like budgets, fairness, expectations, and emotions. Since these discussions are infrequent, many managers lack the necessary practice, which adds to the difficulty. Fortunately, this week’s guest breaks down exactly how to navigate compensation conversations with confidence, clarity, and leverage, without damaging relationships or risking the offer. John Gates is an author and founder of Salary Coach, where he helps C-suite executives and senior leaders negotiate higher compensation packages without risking their job offers or future relationships. John’s unique approach, born from his extensive experience in corporate recruiting, consistently helps his clients secure 10-20% more in their pay packages, even in challenging job markets. In this episode, we explore the biggest mistakes candidates and managers make when discussing pay, how to respond to the dreaded “What are your salary expectations?” question, and how to negotiate thoughtfully before an offer is on the table. If you want to avoid losing great candidates and negotiate with confidence, this conversation is 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. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R7mD2jYo8pYIIohhkBWaoi9fHLnj1yp24F7bPl00-LY/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with John Gates - Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngates-salarycoach/ Guest Bonus: Free PDF download of Chapter 5 of his book: Use a Range, not a Number. John is providing members of podcast+ a PDF download of Chapter 5 of his book: Use a Range, not a Number. In this chapter, he provides actionable advice and plug-and-play scripts for how to talk about a salary range so you avoid getting screened and don’t end up leaving money on the table. 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! #SalaryNegotiation #CareerGrowth #JobSearchTips #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #SalaryExpectations #PayNegotiation #InterviewTips #CareerAdvice #JobInterview

When disruption hits your team, confidence often drops, communication gets messy, and progress slows. But disruption isn’t the problem; how we respond to it is. Fortunately, this week’s guest offers a clear, practical framework for leading with steadiness even when everything around you is shifting. And just as importantly, he explains how we can become positive disruptors in order to facilitate a brighter future. Patrick Leddin is a global speaker, former Army Ranger, Vanderbilt professor, and bestselling author of Disrupt Everything and Win. He shares how managers can help their teams stay focused, take smart risks, communicate clearly, and build healthier relationships during periods of uncertainty. If you want to lead with more clarity and confidence when change hits, this conversation gives you the tools to do it. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gn-X2Pv1G3algfHWZDD0Vf9hDscJxW6gIKfivGVUY9Y/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Patrick Leddin - Follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickleddin/ - Visit his website: www.patrickleddin.com Guest Bonus: 2 Book Giveaway! Patrick is giving away two copies of his new book, Disrupt Everything and Win: Take Control of Your Future. Every day, we are confronted with sudden pivots at our workplace and in the job market, with changing technology such as artificial intelligence, unexpected crises, and a culture of chaos, and with that sinking feeling that we are losing control of our lives. This book is about taking back control. It's easy to follow and easy to turn into lifelong habits. It has been thoroughly researched and examined. You must enter the drawing by January 9th, 2026. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Ever feel like you should know more, be more confident, or have everything figured out by now? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you don’t need to be a “know-it-all” to be an exceptional leader. In fact, the strongest leaders today share one trait: They are learn-it-alls, people who grow through challenges instead of shrinking from them. Fortunately, this week’s guest brings a powerful, actionable framework that helps managers move from self-doubt into genuine capability. Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit, a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time. We explore why action transforms confidence faster than motivation ever could, how to stop perfectionism from stalling your growth, and how “possibility spotting” turns obstacles into opportunities for advancement. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not ready, not experienced enough, or not “the right fit,” this conversation will help you step forward as the leader you truly are. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MDa7N-6PlvtCn8v2-Nvau0HB7Ljq7OzM5r3sutaU1Do/edit?usp=sharing ✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Damon Lembi and The Learn-It-All Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi https://x.com/damonlembi https://www.youtube.com/@learnittrainingThe Learn-It-All Podcast TheLearnItAllLeader.com Learnit.comThe Learn-It-All Leader https://a.co/d/5oebQ6a Guest Bonus (available to members of Podcast+): FREE Digital Version of Learn-It-All Leader In The Learn-It-All Leader, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi shares: With entertaining anecdotes and inspirational examples, The Learn-It-All Leader is a compelling guide to being your best and playing to win every time. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. --------------------- The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done. Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #Leadership #Management #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceSkills #ManagerTips #BusinessMindset #GrowthMindset #ImposterSyndrome #ContinuousLearning #LeadershipMindset #TeamManagement #CareerAdvice

In a world that constantly demands breakthrough solutions, do you ever feel like innovation is reserved for a select few, or that you’re simply not "creative enough"? This week’s guests are here to set the record straight: that we are all capable of creative thinking if we just give ourselves permission and a little guidance. Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden are the co-authors of Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World. Tessa is a cognitive scientist exploring how we work, learn, and innovate. She is a co-founder of Harvard's Next Level Lab and teaches Design Thinking and Innovation at Harvard, DCE, and Stanford D School. Rich is the founder and CEO of People Rocket, which helps leaders and teams overcome innovation hesitation; there, they guide clients through the innovation-ish approach, a flexible human-centered framework built on mindset shifts, small adaptive steps, and reflective practice he also teaches at Stanford D School. In this episode, we're cutting through the myth of the "right-brained" innovator. You’ll learn how to integrate the six innovation mindsets into your work, overcome "innovation hesitation," and embrace your "whole brain" approach to problem-solving. This conversation offers practical tools to foster fresh thinking within your team, create space for ideas to thrive, and give you the concrete tools to move those ideas forward, no matter your role. Plus, in the extended episode, Tessa and Rich share tips for normalizing failure and using “F-Up Nights” to build a culture that learns from failure. Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Join the conversation now! Conversation Topics 📚 Additional Resources: ✨ Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month ✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KFafl5klc5iycyAmqq_Mlqp3ARyogW-mCWto2HNGfNc/edit?usp=sharing ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨ Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨ Upskill your team: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up with Tessa Forshaw & Rich Braden https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessaforshaw/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcoxbraden/ https://a.co/d/5Dhg9wH Guest Bonus: 1st Chapter of Innovation-ish: How Anyone can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World Innovation-ish is your no-nonsense guide to unlocking your innate creativity. This book shows you how to solve problems and generate solutions in a huge variety of personal and professional situations. Tessa and Rich demystify the myths that surround innovation, reveal the six mindsets that underlie innovation, and show how the moves you make drive innovation forward. And they share the latest relevant cognitive science research in a compelling and digestible way - no degree required. 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! #DesignThinking #Experimentation #ManagerTips #BetterDecisions #LeadershipSkills #WorkplaceLearning #Innovation #Creativity #CreativeThinking #InnovationMindset #Leadership #ProblemSolving #TeamInnovation #GrowthMindset #SkillBuilding #ProfessionalGrowth #ThinkSmart #LeadershipDevelopment