Self-distraction is one of the biggest productivity challenges we face today.
It’s easy to get lost in the constant flow of thoughts. A simple “I need to remind Kevin to send me that document,” takes us away from our current activity, preventing us from completing the tasks that matter most. No wonder we feel overwhelmed and constantly rushing.
But here’s the good news: Today’s guest is on a mission to help managers and teams break free from this cycle of overwhelm and start getting things done effectively and efficiently.
Meet Mridu Parikh. Mridu is a productivity coach who helps busy professionals take control of their time, energy, and focus—so they can perform at their best without feeling overwhelmed. She empowers leaders and teams to reduce stress, prioritize effectively, and create lasting systems for success. She’s also the host of the top-ranked Productivity on Purpose podcast.
In this episode, we dive into Mridu’s ACTION framework—a seven-step approach to increasing productivity by minimizing distractions, committing to Power Hours, time blocking effectively, systemizing your approach, and more.
Beyond individual productivity tips, we also cover how teams can build a culture of focus and how to respectfully say no (even to your boss).
Join the conversation now!
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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
- Check out OneTab here
Keep up with Mridu Parikh
- Follow Mridu on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook
- Subscribe to Mridu’s Productivity on Purpose Podcast here
- Grab a copy of her book, Accomplish It, here
30% Off A One-Hour Productivity Coaching Call
Mridu is offering 30% off a one-hour productivity coaching call to members of Podcast+.
During this call, Mridu will help you gain clarity, focus, and control over your time, so you can follow through on what matters most.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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 walk out of meetings feeling more exhausted than empowered? Are toxic behaviors affecting your team?
Navigating a workplace with individuals who show signs of narcissism, Machiavellianism, or psychopathy can be incredibly challenging. But understanding the root of these toxic behaviors is key to managing them effectively, and today’s guest is here to help us do just that.
Meet Dr. Sheela Reddy. Sheela has more than 25 years of experience in Trauma-Informed Leadership Psychology, a PhD in multicultural systems psychology, and a fellowship in trauma. She is a published author, speaker and coach.
She loves conducting experiential learning workshops to increase EQ and develop empathy for diversity in teams for organizations. She is most passionate about increasing mind health, reversing the effects of trauma, and developing empowered, liberated, skilled & resilient diverse female leaders.
In this episode, Sheela and I explore the core elements of narcissism, Machiavellism, and psychopathy, and how these often show up as manipulative or emotionally abusive behaviors at work.
She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) and teaches how we can build distress tolerance to deal with toxic behaviors in high-pressure situations.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Sheela uncovers the surprising link between toxic behaviors and emotional intelligence.
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 Dr. Sheela Reddy
- Follow Sheela on Instagram
- Check out Rise Mind’s official website for more information here
Live LinkedIn Sessions: Your Bi-Weekly EQ Boost
Join Dr. Sheela Reddy every other Thursday at 12:30 PM ET or Friday at 12:00 PM ET for free live sessions on LinkedIn. Explore various EQ abilities and practical tips to help you manage stress, improve your mood, and strengthen your relationships. Connect with Sheela on LinkedIn to join!
Dive Deeper: Free Podcast on Self, Interpersonal & Leadership Skills
Continue your growth journey with Sheela’s podcast, RISEMIND - EQ Evolution, where you explore essential skills for developing a more empowered self, mastering interpersonal management, and honing your leadership abilities.
FREE EQ Assessment and Tame the Tough Boss Article
Members of Podcast+ get two amazing bonuses from Sheela this week: a FREE EQ Assessment and Tame the Tough Boss Article
The first 20 members to sign up will receive a complimentary EQi 2.0 assessment (a $100 value!) followed by an exclusive group consultation. During this session, we'll delve into your personalized results, providing you with actionable tips to boost your EQ for personal and professional success.
And, get practical strategies to navigate challenging professional relationships with Sheela’s article: "Tired of Walking on Eggshells? How to Manage Your Difficult Boss (Without Getting Fired)."
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.
Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!
Are you struggling to form new habits that actually stick?
If you’ve ever found yourself failing to break old habits, it’s likely because you’re using the wrong habit formation strategies.
Thankfully, today’s guest is going to unlock the key to transformational behavior change so you and your team can successfully adopt new ways of working.
Today’s guest is Jason Hreha. Jason is a behavioral scientist and entrepreneur who, after studying at Stanford and working in BJ Fogg's Behavior Design Lab, developed the Behavioral Strategy framework for business challenges.
As CEO of Persona, he combines behavioral science assessments with rigorous vetting to connect companies with exceptional talent. Previously, as Global Head at Walmart, he established the first Fortune 100 behavioral science team. Jason is also the author of Real Change, a book redefining habit formation and personal growth.
In this episode, Jason shares a breakthrough approach to behavior change that will reshape the way you think about habits.
We explore the distinction between habits and transformative practices and why most people fail by choosing habits that are too complex or misaligned with their personality.
Jason also explains the importance of behavior matching and how it can help both individuals and teams adopt the right practices for lasting impact.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Jason shares practical, human-centered strategies to break bad habits for yourself and your team.
Join the conversation now!
Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
Conversation Topics
Additional Resources:
- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
- Read the full transcript here
- Follow me on Instagram here
- Visit my website for more here
- Upskill your team here
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here
Keep up with Jason Hreha
- Follow Jason on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram
- Follow Persona for more updates on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Facebook
- Subscribe to The Behavioral Scientist on YouTube here
- Visit Persona Talent and The Behavioral Scientist for more information
FREE: First Half of Real Change: Moving Beyond Habits to Achieve Lasting Transformation
Jason is providing members of Podcast+ with the first half of his book Real Change: Moving Beyond Habits to Achieve Lasting Transformation, for free! This book debunks the myths of habit hacking and guides you towards meaningful, lasting transformation through the innovative Transformative Practice Path.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this book will empower you to create the meaningful life you’ve always desired.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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!
Documentation isn’t just a system—it’s a daily habit that you can master.
When was the last time you actually enjoyed documenting a meeting or your thought process? For most of us, documentation feels tedious and intimidating. Just the idea of making things “official” can stir up fear that it might one day be used against us.
Fortunately, this week’s guest brings a fresh perspective on why documentation is worth embracing and mastering.
Today’s guest is Adrienne Bellehumeur. Adrienne is the owner of Risk Oversight, a consulting firm specializing in SOX, CSOX, internal control, and internal audit programs. She is also the author of The 24-Hour Rule—and Other Secrets for Smarter Organizations, which you can think of as the first “mass market” book on documentation best practices. She regularly speaks about documentation, workflow, and productivity best practices to professional groups and organizations of all sizes and industries.
In this episode, Adrienne breaks down the Big D vs. Little D concept, revealing why daily, individual habits matter more than fancy systems.
You’ll learn how simply processing meeting notes within 24 hours can save your team hours of frustration and rework.
We also explore practical strategies, such as using central repositories and establishing team-wide documentation standards. Additionally, we dive into the value of handwritten notes vs. digital tools, and how to avoid “Groundhog Day” meetings by writing things down.
If your team keeps having the same conversations or you’re buried in sticky notes, this episode is a must-listen.
Join the conversation now!
Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
Conversation Topics
Additional Resources:
- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
- Read the full transcript here
- Follow me on Instagram here
- Visit my website for more here
- Upskill your team here
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here
- Check out The Bullet Journal Method here
Keep up with Adrienne Bellehumeur
- Follow Adrienne on LinkedIn here
- Get a copy of her book here
- Check out Risk Oversight here for more information
- Visit Adrienne’s official website here to keep up with her work
FREE 6 Steps of Dynamic Documentation + Productivity as a Team Sport Workbook
Adrienne is giving members of Podcast+ 2 incredible PDFs.
First, the 6 Steps of Dynamic Documentation. Whatever your current go-to practices for personal productivity, information management, and documentation look like, these 6 steps will give you simple strategies to work smarter, faster, and better—for yourself, your team, and your whole organization.
And second, Productivity as a Team Sport Workbook. This workbook shares the 8 Super Secrets of Team Productivity that have been tested with organizations and professional groups across industries. The focus? Real, lasting results for knowledge workers that teams can apply immediately.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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 constantly feel overwhelmed by your leadership role? Are you always reacting to everyone else’s agenda instead of creating your own?
What if you could reclaim your power and lead confidently through any situation? Today’s guest reveals exactly how to make that shift.
Meet Dr. Sharon Melnick. Sharon is recognized as a Marshall Goldsmith Top 50 executive coach and is the author of three books including In Your Power (2022), Success Under Stress, and Confidence When it Counts. Her mission is simple: Equip all leaders with the toolkit they need to claim their power and amplify it to achieve dramatically positive outcomes for all.
In this episode, Sharon redefines what real power looks like in the workplace and shares practical strategies to help managers take back control, even in challenging situations.
She reveals how to shift from reactive to proactive leadership through tools like the “thermostat” metaphor and the “cooling breath” technique. Plus, she breaks down how to stop giving away your power to others’ expectations and how to lead from a place of strength.
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 Sharon Melnick
- Follow Sharon on LinkedIn and Facebook
- Get your burnout-proof checklist here
- Check out Sharon’s official page here for more
Book Giveaway: A Signed Copy of Her Book In Your Power
Sharon is giving away a signed copy of her book In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others to one member of Podcast+
Whether dealing with an underperforming team member, an undervaluing boss, an undermining colleague, a difficult family member or partner, or the overwhelm of too much to do, we can find ourselves feeling “out of our power.” This book guides you through twelve Power Portals, giving you a new approach to stop reacting to others’ limitations and instead raise yourself and others to be limitless.
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 can feel overwhelming, especially when the world around you is constantly changing. But what if small, science-backed changes in how you lead could create a bigger impact than you ever imagined?
This week’s guests will explore key findings from their research on the nine science-based traits of effective leadership, enabling us to become better managers today.
Meet Margaret Moore and Jeffrey Hull. Margaret is the Founder of Wellcoaches Corporation, Co-founder of the Institute of Coaching, and a faculty member with the Harvard Medical School Office of Global Education. She has over twenty-five years of C-suite roles and experience coaching C-suite executives by blending leadership, coaching, and science.
Jeffrey is an Executive Director and Coach with the Institute of Coaching and Founder of Leadership Inc. He brings over 30 years of translating science into leadership as a consultant, psychologist, and teacher at New York University and Harvard Medical School.
Together, Margaret and Jeffrey co-authored the new book, The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact.
In this episode, they unpack the key findings on the essential leadership traits that define effective leadership today and how these traits can help managers respond to challenges while fostering a positive work environment.
They also explore actionable strategies, including the role of positive psychology, why intentional pauses in leadership matter, and how embracing flexibility can drastically improve your team’s performance.
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
- Check out the Gallup research here
Keep up with our guests
- Follow Margaret on LinkedIn here
- Follow Jeffrey on LinkedIn here
- Get a copy of Flex: The Art and Science of Leadership in a Changing World here
- Grab a copy of The Science of Leadership here
FREE Science of Leadership Assessment and Discussion Guide
Jeffrey and Margaret are providing members of Podcast+ an excerpt from The Science of Leadership that includes the nine capabilities assessment as well as a readiness to change assessment.
In addition, they’re giving members a discussion guide to easily explore the nine leadership capacities alone or with your team.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.
Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!
Do you feel like you’re drowning in your task list?
You know delegation is important. You know your team wants to contribute. But still, something holds you back—whether it’s fear of mistakes or the lack of time to explain things.
You don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle.
Joining me today is Dallas Burnett. Dallas is the founder and CEO of Perforam and author of "Lift," "MOVE!" and "Caveman Delegation," He is a performance management expert dedicated to transforming how organizations unlock potential. He partners with senior executives to design unique people systems that reduce turnover, boost productivity, and increase profits.
In this episode, Dallas dives deep into the common fears that prevent managers from delegating, such as the fear of failure and the belief that it’s quicker to do things themselves.
He introduces his simple yet effective “Caveman Delegation” model, a four-step process that helps managers confidently delegate tasks, processes, and outcomes without micromanaging.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Dallas discusses how tools like the Enneagram can help you better understand your team’s personalities—so you can delegate in a way that sets everyone 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
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 Dallas Burnett
- Follow Dallas on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter)
- Subscribe and listen to the ThinkMoveThrive podcast here
- Grab a copy of Caveman Delegation here
FREE Enneagram compatibility guide based on Caveman Delegation
Dallas is providing his Enneagram compatibility guide based on Caveman Delegation for free to members of Podcast+.
This guide helps you delegate effectively using Enneagram insights. Discover how to communicate, motivate, and match tasks to each Enneagram type’s strengths.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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 ever feel like you’re just going through the motions at work, unsure about the exact strategy to guide your decisions? This episode will change that.
In the business world, the word “strategy” is quite the buzzword. But what does it really mean to think and lead strategically? And what can you do as a manager to get better at it?
If you want to stop wasting time and start making powerful strategic decisions no matter your position, today’s guest is here to unpack everything you need to know about being strategic.
Today’s guest is Rich Horwath, CEO of the Strategic Thinking Institute. Over the past 20 years, Rich has helped more than one million managers around the world learn how to think, plan, and act strategically. He is a New York Times bestselling author of 8 books on strategy and his vision is to teach the world to be strategic.
In this episode, Rich shares his insights on how strategy is often misunderstood and why it’s crucial for everyone—from individual contributors to senior leaders—to think strategically.
He breaks down the difference between strategy and tactics, explaining how understanding the distinctions can lead to better decision-making. He also shares a practical framework for everyday strategic thinking and how to manage your time, allocate resources wisely, and pivot when necessary to stay on course
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Rich delves into what isn’t strategic thinking and the tools that will help you act more strategically.
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 Rich Horwath
- Follow Rich on LinkedIn here
- Subscribe to his YouTube channel here
- Listen to the Strategic Minds Podcast here
- Check out StrategicThinking Institute here for more
Book Giveaway - 5 copies of Strategic AND Free White Paper on Delegation
Rich is giving away five copies of his book STRATEGIC: The Skill to Set Direction, Create Advantage, and Achieve Executive Excellence, which Inc. Magazine described as “A top 4 must read business book to kick off the year.” In the book, Rich shares practical tools, tips, and techniques he’s developed over two decades that can help you think, plan, and act strategically in every area of your business.
And, members of Podcast+ can download Rich’s White Paper: Lead at Your Level, which addresses the importance of delegation to a leader’s success. In the article, Rich shares the four factors that are crucial to effective delegation and the ability to unlock dozens of hours of extra time each year.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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’re in a team meeting, someone starts talking… and keeps talking.
They lose their train of thought, fill the air with “likes” and “ums”, and before long, the point is lost.
Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. Because here’s the truth: verbal communication isn’t innate—it’s a learned skill.
And this week’s guest has spent 35 years helping people master it.
Meet Ruth Milligan. Ruth is a 35-year communication veteran. Her career has included being a speechwriter, press secretary, marketing consultant, and, for the last 15 years, communication coach and trainer. She is the author of Motivated Speaker with her co-authors and colleagues, Acacia Duncan and Blythe Coons.
In this episode, Ruth shares why speaking is a learned habit—not a natural gift— and why catching habits early in low-stakes settings sets the stage for success when the pressure is on.
You’ll learn why filler words, overtalking, and disorganized thoughts sabotage your message and how to fix them with practical, proven tools for you and your team.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Ruth breaks down how to stop saying “um” and reveals the six threshold concepts for learning to speak well.
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 Ruth Milligan
- Follow Ruth on LinkedIn here
- Grab a copy of her book, The Motivated Speaker, here
5 Book Giveaway
Ruth is giving away five copies of her book, The Motivated Speaker: Six Principles to Unlock Your Communication Potential, to members of Podcast+. In this book, you will discover practical and accessible approaches that will help you establish powerful habits in your speaking practice. You’ll understand what’s preventing you from being influential and persuasive, and build a new foundation toward being a highly effective communicator.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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!
What if the most valuable thing you can build in your career isn’t a product, a strategy, or even a list of accolades—but a community?
We all know relationships matter. Yet most of us haven’t been taught how to build them with real intention.
Today’s guest is here to help you and your team rethink what’s possible when we shift from collecting contacts to cultivating purposeful connections.
Meet David Homan. David is the founder and CEO of Orchestrated Connecting, a global community of connectors; Orchestrated Opportunities, an impact-focused advisory firm; and SOAR CONNECT, a start-up focused on the strength of authentic relationships. He hosts a podcast called Orchestrated Relationships focused on developing relationship value.
David has built a network reaching into the most private and incredible circles globally while maintaining a code of purposeful community building called Orchestrated Connecting.
In this episode, David unpacks what it means to build emotionally intelligent communities, drawn from his upcoming book Orchestrating Connection.
We explore how self-awareness, trust, and shared values are the true foundations of lasting, impactful relationships. We also discuss the difference between simply expanding your network and nurturing it, and why vulnerability and reciprocity are essential skills for today’s leaders.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we take a deeper look at how to ask for help from your network in a way that feels respectful and genuine—without making others feel used or taken for granted.
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
- Check out the book Leadership Pipeline here
Keep up with David Homan
- Pre-order your copy of David’s book, Orchestrating Connection here
- Join the Orchestrated Connecting network here
Participate in a Modern Manager Exclusive Orchestrated Connecting Virtual Event
Join me and other members of the Modern Manager community to experience first hand the power of an intentional community. David will facilitate a virtual session that will strengthen the connections amongst members and foster new relationships that can benefit us all.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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 celebrate the wins. The promotions. The milestones.
But no one talks about the price tag that comes with constantly performing at a high level.
For Dana L. Cox, that price came quietly—missed family moments, sleepless nights, and a level of exhaustion that no amount of caffeine could fix.
She calls it the “success tax”—the hidden costs we pay in pursuit of achievement. Thankfully, Dana’s here to unpack what that tax really looks like and how to stop overpaying it.
Dana is a global executive-turned-coach, Radical Reset Expert, founder of FIX Coaching & Consulting, and author of FROM BURNOUT TO BADASS: Flip the Script on Your Work-Life Balance. She’s helped hundreds of women transition from exhaustion to empowered leadership. Her work integrates cultural wisdom, neuroscience, and strategies for sustainable success.
In this episode, Dana reveals how high-achieving individuals unknowingly pay a “success tax” that can hinder their health, relationships, and performance at work, and what we can do to avoid overpaying.
Dana shares her experience of facing burnout and provides actionable insights for managers and leaders on how to create work environments that prioritize well-being while still achieving exceptional performance.
She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, taking intentional time off, fostering a culture of empathy and support within teams, 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 Dana
- Follow Dana on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook
- Visit her website here for more information
- Grab a copy of her book, From Burnout to Badass, here
FREE Career Clarity Checklist + Positioned to Paid Assessment Calls
Dana is giving members of Podcast+ her Career Clarity Checklist and is offering a limited number of Positioned to Paid™ Assessment Calls, all for FREE.
The Career Clarity Checklist is your first step to stop spiraling and start leading again. It will help you make sure you're aligned, visible, and ready for what's next.
The Positioned to Paid™ Assessment Call is a 30-minute private strategy session designed to help you clarify what’s next, uncover hidden value, and walk away with a custom roadmap.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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 just stepped into a new manager role—congratulations! Now what?
The first few weeks can feel like a whirlwind. One day you’re a high-performing individual contributor, and the next, you’re expected to lead a team, set direction, and navigate complex dynamics—all while still figuring out what kind of leader you want to be.
Thankfully, today’s guest is here to guide you through those critical first 45 days.
Today’s guest is James Turk. James is an executive coach, keynote speaker, facilitator, founder and CEO of The Turk Group, a boutique learning and development consulting firm, and author of The Giving Game – Becoming The Leader That Others Want To Follow.
With more than twenty-five years of experience, James has expertly designed and delivered training and coaching programs and solutions in the areas of leadership development, sales, change management, and strategic planning for clients across a wide range of industries—including financial services, digital media, biotech, and more. His clients include Spotify, Squarespace, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Goldman Sachs, Equinox, and many more.
In this episode, James outlines a step-by-step strategy for earning trust, clarifying expectations, and cultivating team alignment early on through consistent rituals like team meetings and one-on-ones.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we dive into the trickier scenarios, like managing former peers, inheriting a team someone else wanted to lead, and managing up when your boss isn’t showing up.
Whether you’re a first-time manager (or know someone who is), this conversation is packed with real-world insights to help you lead with confidence and intention—starting day one.
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
- Check out the book Leadership Pipeline here
Keep up with James Turk
- Follow James on LinkedIn and Instagram
- Grab a copy of James’s book The Giving Game here
- Follow The Turk Group for updates on Instagram and Facebook
FREE: The F45 Playbook
James is providing members of Podcast+ with the F45 Playbook. Recognizing the first 45 days and the first year as critical for new managers, this playbook outlines exactly what to do in the first six weeks.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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 sat down to work, only to be pulled in a dozen directions—emails, Slack messages, endless browser tabs—all demanding your attention? You’re not alone.
All the technological advancements have made it almost impossible to focus.
But what if it didn’t have to be this way?
Fortunately, this week’s guest is here to share with us how you can be more focused at work and finally reclaim your workday.
Today’s guest is Marcey Rader. Marcey is a speaker, coach, and author who helps individuals and companies reclaim their workdays with health-powered productivity™. As the founder of RaderCo, she’s worked with Fortune 500 companies and startups worldwide, inspiring sustainable habits to work well and play more.
In this episode, Marcey shares why so many of us are more distracted than ever—and what focus really looks like in today’s workplace. She also provides practical advice on how to use project management systems to streamline communication and how structured office hours can empower your team instead.
Lastly, for members of the Podcast+, Marcey reveals strategies for effective one-on-ones and a simple but powerful Zoom trick to help you and your team stay focused during meetings.
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 Marcey Rader
- Follow Marcey on LinkedIn here
- Get a copy of her book, Reclaim Your Workday, here
- Power up your productivity here
- Visit her website for more information here
Exclusive Discounted Price for Powered Path Program
Members of Podcast+ get Marcey’s Powered Path Program at an exclusive discount.
The Powered Path Program is a one-hour productivity boost designed to help you and your team reflect, prioritize, and plan more effectively (without adding extra work to your plate). For managers, this program will help you:
✅Streamline 1:1s to make them more efficient and action-driven
✅Ensure wins aren’t forgotten by tracking progress throughout the year, not just at review time
✅Make reflection and planning easier so you and your team stay focused on what matters most.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.
Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!
Do you feel like your team isn’t really listening to you? It might be time to rethink your influence.
Many managers assume authority is enough. But real leadership—motivating people to take action—comes from influence. And this week’s guest believes that one of the most powerful ways to build it is by strengthening your communication skills.
Today’s guest is Stacey Hanke. Stacey is a leading expert in communication and influence. For over 20 years, she has empowered Fortune 500 leaders and teams to elevate their communication skills to build the trust and credibility needed to influence action.
In addition to being a Hall of Fame speaker, executive coach, and business leader, Stacey is the author of three books, including her newly released book, Influence Elevated, which provides leaders with skills to manage employees and increase accountability in a hybrid work environment.
Her Monday to Monday® philosophy empowers professionals to be impactful in every interaction, from presentations to everyday conversations, helping them drive action and achieve success.
In this episode, Stacey and I dive deep into how feedback, self-awareness, and understanding your influence style can drastically improve your leadership presence.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Stacey shares actionable strategies to elevate your influence and highlights common mistakes that can undermine it.
If you’re ready to elevate your leadership game and truly connect with your team, tune in and start mastering your influence 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
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 Stacey Hanke
- Follow Stacey on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
-Subscribe to her YouTube channel here
- Visit her website for more information here
FREE Digital Copy of Influence Redefined
Stacey is giving members of Podcast+ a FREE digital copy of Influence Redefined. In Influence Elevated: Maximizing Your Connection Monday to Monday®, Stacey unpacks what commonly interferes with our level of workplace influence. She shows leaders how to overcome the ongoing distractions that threaten employee relationships, workplace morale, and productivity. She offers readers actionable practices to create the momentum needed to achieve their goals and experience consistent success.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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 overwhelmed by the rapid rise of AI in the workplace?
AI tools are already being used by managers and teams in various forms. But what are the risks that come with using them? Today’s guest believes that clear guidelines and educational training can help everyone use AI wisely without feeling restricted.
Meet Theresa Fesinstine. Theresa is a 25-year HR executive turned AI educator. She has been certified for AI and Business Strategy through MIT in 2023, and has been focused on flattening the AI learning curve for HR and other non-technical functions for almost 3 years.
In addition to her company, peoplepower.ai, she is an adjunct professor of both AI in Business and HR Management for City College of NY - a CUNY institution, and volunteers as a mentor through All Tech is Human.
Today, Theresa shares smart, actionable ways to use AI without risking company data or personal privacy.
From educating your team to building clear, adaptable AI guidelines, she breaks down how to make AI a powerful tool for managers and their teams.
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 Theresa Fesinstine
- Follow Theresa on LinkedIn here
- Visit People Power AI for more information here
FREE PDF People Powered by AI: A Playbook for HR Leaders Ready to Shape the New World of Work
Theresa is giving members of Podcast+ a copy of her People Powered by AI: A Playbook for HR Leaders Ready to Shape the New World of Work for free.
In this practical and forward-thinking guide, Theresa draws on decades of People & Culture expertise to help HR leaders confidently integrate AI into their everyday work. With real-world use cases, accessible frameworks, and a human-first lens, this book empowers HR professionals to unlock the potential of AI while staying grounded in empathy, ethics, and strategy.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.
Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!
Are you struggling to get your team to perform at its best? Are you unsure about how to unlock the potential of each individual? This week’s guest says the key is inclusive leadership.
Meet Kelli Lester. Kelli is co-founder and partner of Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm specializing in individual, team, and organizational behavior transformation. Her “occupassion” lies in fostering environments where inclusive leadership thrives, leveraging over two decades of experience to drive meaningful progress.
In this week’s episode, Kelli and I explore what inclusive leadership really looks like, the traits that define it, and the role leaders play in making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued.
Kelli also illustrates how inclusion isn’t just about people—it’s about ideas and perspectives, too. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, she dives deeper into five other inclusive leadership traits and shares how to navigate style differences without friction.
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 Kelli Lester
- Follow Kelli on LinkedIn here
- Achieve financial empowerment with Onyx Rising’s Money Matters here
- Visit Onyx Rising for more information here
FREE Inclusive Leadership Traits Assessment
Kelli is providing members of Podcast+ her Inclusive Leadership Traits Assessment. The PDF includes an overview of inclusive leadership traits and a self-assessment to help you identify areas for improvement.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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!
Being a working parent shouldn’t feel like a daily juggling act on the brink of disaster.
If you truly want everyone on your team—parent or not—to thrive at work, you need a workplace that lets them show up as their best selves. And today’s guest is the perfect expert to discuss how to make work work for working parents.
Today’s guest is Dr. Anne Welsh, a sought after thought leader on working parenthood. After leaving a career at Harvard to create her own firm, Anne draws on her significant training, research, and experience to champion women and working parents in leadership.
She brings expertise in career development, emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and women’s mental health to her work as a consultant, executive coach and psychologist. She supports organizations and individuals through one-on-one work, group coaching for working mothers, and workshops and talks.
In this episode, we dive into creating a workplace where parents and caregivers can navigate the many demands of them with greater ease.
Learn how to “parent out loud”, build a culture of empathy, and leverage leadership skills parenting teaches. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Anne shares top tips on how to set yourself or your team up for success after parental leave, and how to be sensitive to individuals struggling with infertility.
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 Dr. Anne Welsh
- Follow Dr. Anne on LinkedIn and Instagram
- Interested in working with Dr. Anne? Learn more here
- Explore Dr. Anne’s partner organization here
25% Off Working Mothers Lifeline
Anne is providing members of Podcast+ 25% off her Working Mother’s Lifeline, a 6-month coaching program for women who want to feel more connected and intentional in their lives- moving from just surviving to thriving in working motherhood, in a community of women who get it.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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 felt like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done? You’re not alone—managers know this struggle well. Fortunately, today’s guest has the time mastery secrets to help us take control of our time.
Meet Andrew Hartman. Andrew is the founder of Time Boss, a training organization helping leaders and their teams master their week to get the results they want without overwhelm.
Andrew founded Time Boss after burning out several times in early-stage startups, even losing his sense of smell for a season. He has taken all he has learned over the years to build a system to help others avoid the same mistakes and instead find their Highest Sustainable Pace, making more progress on their top priorities and experiencing more peace in their day-to-day schedule.
In this episode, Andrew shares game-changing insights on meeting overload, time boxing, and helping out your future self.
Plus, in the extended interview available to Podcast+ members, he shares his unique approach to helping your team members manage their time without you micromanaging them and why personal breaks are non-negotiable.
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
- Consider using a tool like Sunsama to easily combine your calendar and your to-do list
Keep up with Andrew Hartman
- Follow Andrew on LinkedIn here
- Visit Time Boss for more information here
Special Price for Time Boss Digital Course - $49
Andrew is offering an incredible special price of $49 for his Time Boss Digital Course which contains everything you need to immediately upgrade your time habits. Access the Time Boss model in short, self-paced videos and templates to get immediate results in as little as 2 hours. By course end, you'll master getting more done with your time without stress or anxiety.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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 do you make your team members feel truly seen and heard at work?
It’s a common struggle for many managers, but this week’s guest says there’s something even more powerful than praising your team.
Joining me today is Dr. Caroline Fleck. Caroline is a licensed psychologist, corporate consultant, and an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at Stanford University. She is the author of Validation: How the Skill Set That Revolutionized Psychology Will Transform Your Relationships, Increase Your Influence, and Change Your Life.
In this episode, Dr. Fleck explains that validation isn’t just about acknowledging someone’s work; it’s about showing genuine understanding and acceptance of them as individuals.
She also shares simple techniques that managers can use to validate their team members, especially when navigating difficult conversations or conflicts.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Dr. Fleck breaks down how validation can support behavior change.
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
- Check out these 20 Best Team Building Podcasts here
Keep up with Caroline Fleck
- Follow Caroline on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
- Grab a copy of her book here
- Visit her website for more information here
Discount on Validation: How the Skill Set That Revolutionized Psychology Will Transform Your Relationships, Increase Your Influence, and Change Your Life
Caroline is providing members of Podcast+ with a discount on her book Validation: How the Skill Set That Revolutionized Psychology Will Transform Your Relationships, Increase Your Influence, and Change Your Life.
Full of captivating stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and actionable takeaways, Validation reveals how the science of seeing and being seen is the key to inner and interpersonal transformation.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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 left a virtual meeting thinking, “That could’ve been an email.”? Today’s guest used to feel the same.
Meet Jill Molee. Jill is the Director of Counseling & College Advisor at College Prep 360. I’ve been lucky to have Jill as a client and I’m grateful she was willing to experiment with me for this on-air coaching call.
As the director of a fully remote, client-facing team, her calendar was packed—but not productive. Her meetings lacked clarity, structure, and worst of all, real collaboration.
In this special on-air coaching session, Jill shares how she restructured her meetings around open agendas, clear objectives, and authentic team participation.
Learn how she used simple tools (like Google Docs and a consistent format) to shift her team meetings from chaos to clarity—creating a culture where team members engage, collaborate, and even look forward to meetings.
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 Jill Molee
- Visit College Prep 360 here
FREE PDF: 2 Strategies for Assessing and Improving Your Meetings
This step-by-step workbook walks you through two simple strategies that any manager can immediately implement to improve their meetings.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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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!
