Self-monitoring, when wielded well, is one of the most powerful personality traits in the workplace. In this episode of Management Muse, Cindi Baldi and Geoffrey Tumlin explore what it means to be a high or low self-monitor, and how that affects everything from career trajectory to team dynamics. Are you a social chameleon who adapts easily to any room? Or someone who always says what they think, no matter the context? Both approaches have advantages—and pitfalls. The key is knowing how to work with both types. Drawing on foundational research by psychologist Mark Snyder and insights from decades of leadership consulting, Cindi and Geoff break down how self-monitoring shapes management, influence, and even ethics. You’ll leave with a sharper lens for reading behavior, and a better playbook for managing your own. Episode Highlights: What the self‑monitoring assessment actually measures High vs. low self-monitors: strengths and tradeoffs The importance of understanding your company’s social network Why high self-monitors are more likely to get promoted The compensating behaviors both sides must master How culture and context factor shape impact Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ob_2xRMH1IA  *Purchase your copy of The Uncertainty Playbook here *Sign up for our newsletter and let us know what topic you’d like to hear next! Want to Go Deeper? Check Out Our Recommended Reading: Kilduff, M., & Day, D. V. (1994). “Do Chameleons Get Ahead? The Effects of Self-Monitoring on Managerial Careers.” Academy of Management Journal, 37(4), 1047–1060. https://web.mit.edu/curhan/www/docs/Articles/15341_Readings/Self-presentation_Impression_Formation/Kilduff_Day_1994_Do_chameleons_get_ahead.pdf  Snyder, Mark. (1974). “Self-Monitoring of Expressive Behavior.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 30(4), 526–537. DOI:10.1037/h0037039 Join Our Community & Follow Us:  - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram -Facebook - Website

Want less micromanagement and more momentum? Start with culture. In Part 2 of our conversation with leadership expert Torben Nørby, we shift from diagnosing cultural drift to designing companies to thrive in a changing world. This episode dives into shared leadership, the role of AI in shaping behavior, and the power of culture to reduce friction and unlock performance. Cindi and Torben explore what it takes to build aligned and adaptive organizations when change comes fast and complexity is high. From the pitfalls of control-based management to the possibilities of contextual AI application, they chart a course for leaders who want to empower and encourage high performance in their teams. Whether you're navigating organizational change or adapting to AI’s growing role in management, this episode is essential. Episode Highlights: Why it’s time to stop talking about leaders and start talking about leadership How a strong culture often helps managers The power of asking “What do we want?” instead of “What’s broken?” The case for more shared leadership How managers can leverage AI Determining your company’s culture *Watch Part 1 of this conversation!   About Torben Nørby: Dr. Torben Nørby is the CEO of People & Performance, the author of The Contextual Leader, and the creator of the Contextual Leadership AI Bot (CLAI). With more than three decades of leadership experience, Torben is a leading authority on contextual leadership, which is helping executives align strategy, culture, and behavior to improve organizational performance. Torben has advised thousands of leaders across industries on how to adapt their leadership and shape their operating environments. His work blends practical insight with psychological depth, offering senior leaders ways to build alignment, empower teams, and lead meaningful cultural change.   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9x6e5YnphrQ   *Want to understand the science behind your people? Call CULSURE *Purchase your copy of The Uncertainty Playbook here *Sign up for our newsletter and let us know what topic you’d like to hear next!   Want to Go Deeper? Check Out Our Recommended Reading: Bradford, Nichol. “Navigating the AI Landscape: Is Culture the Key to Success?” Society for Human Resource Management, 13 October 2024, https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/flagships/ai-hi/navigating-the-ai-landscape--is-culture-the-key-to-success-  Fitzsimons, Declan. “How Shared Leadership Changes Our Relationships at Work.” Harvard Business Review, 12 May 2016, https://hbr.org/2016/05/how-shared-leadership-changes-our-relationships-at-work.    Join Our Community & Follow Us:  - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram -Facebook - Website

Think culture change has to be slow and painful? Think again. In this episode, Cindi Baldi is joined by leadership strategist Torben N rby to challenge the belief that culture change is a long, uphill crawl. Spoiler: it doesn’t have to be, if you get the context right. Torben explains how most organizations don’t explode—they erode, slowly sliding out of alignment as they grow and the world shifts around them. Cindi and Torben break down the anatomy of culture change and introduce a smart framework leaders can use to shift culture without wrecking trust or clarity. From international business case studies to the current work-from-home debate, they explore what it takes to lead rapid and lasting cultural shifts. This episode is for anyone ready to redesign a work culture. You’ll walk away with practical tools for evaluating your current culture, for aligning behavior with values, and for creating space for continuous improvement.  *Tune back in next week to hear Part 2 with even more insight! Episode Highlights: How deliberate interventions can build strong cultures The risk of drifting out of alignment as your organization grows The importance of context in culture change How to act without overcorrecting What global case studies reveal about adaptable organizational cultures Why shared leadership drives more sustainable and effective culture shifts About Torben Nørby: Dr. Torben Nørby is the CEO of People & Performance, the author of The Contextual Leader, and the creator of the Contextual Leadership AI Bot (CLAI). With more than three decades of leadership experience spanning the Danish military, global retail, and international consulting, Torben has become a leading authority on contextual leadership, which is helping executives align strategy, culture, and behavior to drive real organizational performance. Drawing on both rigorous research and experience, Torben has advised thousands of leaders across industries on how to adapt their leadership styles and shape their operating environments. His work blends practical insight with psychological depth, offering senior leaders ways to build alignment, empower teams, and lead meaningful cultural change. Check out Torben’s book, The Contextual Leader   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ve70VwxTE_U Purchase your copy of The Uncertainty Playbook Sign up for our newsletter and let us know what topic you’d like to hear next!   Join Our Community & Follow Us:  - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram -Tik Tok -Facebook - Website

Authentic leadership is a hot topic. But what if bringing your whole self to work is a terrible idea? In this episode of Management Muse, Cindi Baldi and Geoffrey Tumlin tackle the tension between being real and being reckless. What if being authentic doesn’t make you a better manager, just a more difficult one?  From the importance of self-monitoring to the paradox of power, Cindi and Geoff unpack what it means to show up at work without blowing up. You’ll learn why awareness matters more than rawness, how emotional regulation helps you meet the moment, and why the best managers actually aren’t always authentic. Whether you're steering a team or quietly questioning your coworker’s fourth overshare of the week, this conversation brings clarity (and a few laughs) to one of the most misguided ideas in modern work culture. Episode Highlights: Why bringing your authentic self to work isn’t always a good idea The importance of alignment and awareness How and why many leadership trends are self-defeating The dilemma of power How leather jackets (and other stuff) can change a leader Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rEvWlLV_ORY   Purchase your copy of The Uncertainty Playbook here Sign up for our newsletter and let us know what topic you’d like to hear next!   Want to Go Deeper? Check Out Our Recommended Reading: Pfeffer, Jeffrey. Power: Why Some People Have It — and Others Don’t. Harper Business, 2010. https://www.amazon.com/Power-Some-People-Have-Others/dp/0061789089  Snyder, Mark. “Self-Monitoring of Expressive Behavior.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 30, no. 4, 1979, pp. 526–537. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0037039   Join Our Community & Follow Us:  - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram -Tik Tok -Facebook - Website

What if AI didn’t replace employees but instead became their most powerful partner? In this episode of Management Muse, Cindi Baldi continues her conversation with Stacy Edgar, co-founder of Venteur, to examine how AI may positively disrupt our lives. Their discussion moves from personalized medicine and easier work to the pivotal choices leaders face when technology sparks systemic change. At the center is a necessary mindset shift toward embracing what’s possible. Leaders who invest in employees and use AI to amplify human capability grow the pie; those who don’t risk shrinking it. Listen in to learn what it takes to lead an organization that thrives along with AI.  Check out Part 1 of this conversation here.   Episode Highlights: How AI is transforming work The expanding promise of personalization in business What self-driving cars suggest about systemic change Why people and AI are better together The risks of controlling behaviors and fear-driven leadership The mindset for leading through disruption Why everyone should watch Terminator   About Stacy Edgar: Stacy Edgar is the co-founder and CEO of Venteur, an AI and digital health startup helping employers reimagine health insurance. Venteur works with businesses to lower healthcare costs while empowering employees to feel more confident in their healthcare journey. Before launching Venteur, Stacy spent 15 years in global development and foreign policy. She has helped dozens of organizations generate billions of dollars in new business.   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iXFzw5V6LCw Purchase your copy of The Uncertainty Playbook here Sign up for our newsletter and let us know what topic you’d like to hear next!   Want to Go Deeper? Check Out Our Recommended Reading: Kober, Gregg. “AI-First Leadership: Embracing the Future of Work.” Harvard Business Impact, 24 Jan. 2025, https://www.harvardbusiness.org/insight/ai-first-leadership-embracing-the-future-of-work/ Li, D. M., et al. “A Critical Look into Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare.” Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, vol. 8, 05 Marc. 2025, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frai.2025.1545869/full    Join Our Community & Follow Us:  - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram -Tik Tok -Facebook - Website

What if the way you structure your employee healthcare benefits could become one of your strongest management tools? In this episode of Management Muse, Cindi Baldi talks with founder Stacy Edgar about why the dominant employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI) model is increasingly misaligned with today’s workforce, and how leaders can reimagine benefits as a driver of culture, loyalty, and performance. They unpack the history of how U.S. employers became the primary providers of health insurance, the risks of sticking with outdated “one-size-fits-all” plans, and the emerging opportunities in flexible, employee-centered models of coverage. Stacy shares stories of organizations that have reduced costs while improving employee morale, along with cautionary tales of leaders who cut corners and paid for it in turnover and diminished trust. This episode is a conversation about innovative leadership and daring to reconsider the status quo. If you want to recruit and retain top talent, reduce hidden costs, and configure your culture with today’s expectations, you’ll want to listen in. Episode Highlights: How smarter coverage leads to healthier employees and a healthier bottom line Why workplace healthcare is overdue for disruption The risks of “one-size-fits-all” group health plans How alternatives like ICHRAs enable personalized, employee-driven coverage and cost savings The hidden costs of doing the minimum How thoughtful benefits can fuel culture, retention, and performance How U.S. employers became the de facto providers of health insurance  About Stacy Edgar: Stacy Edgar is the co-founder and CEO of Venteur, an AI and digital health startup helping employers reimagine health insurance through a consumer-centric lens. Under her leadership, Venteur works with businesses to lower healthcare costs while empowering employees to feel more confident and in control of their healthcare journey. Before launching Venteur, Stacy spent 15 years in global development and foreign policy, dedicated to ending global poverty. She is recognized for her expertise in business development, having helped dozens of organizations generate billions in new business.   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VR8CgHqY-xw Purchase your copy of The Uncertainty Playbook here Sign up for our newsletter and let us know what topic you’d like to hear next!   Want to Go Deeper? Check Out Our Recommended Reading: Edgar, Stacy. “This Labor Day: Is It Time to Rethink the Social Contract on Employer-Sponsored Health Care?” Venteur, 1 Sept. 2025, www.venteur.com/blog/this-labor-day-is-it-time-to-rethink-the-social-contract-on-employer-sponsored-health-care Weismann, M. F. “How the Great Resignation and COVID Unemployment Have Eroded the Employer-Sponsored Insurance Model and Access to Healthcare.” American Journal of Law & Medicine, vol. 49, no. 1, 2023. Cambridge University Press. *Bonus: Watch the SNL skit Stacy mentions in the episode here!   Join Our Community & Follow Us:  - Youtube - LinkedIn - Instagram -Tik Tok -Facebook - Website

Most of us have been told not to mix friends and business but friendship can make work great with built-in trust, loyalty, and an easy rapport. Other times, it can go sideways fast, straining the business and the relationship.  In this episode, Cindi Baldi digs into the upsides and downsides of hiring friends. Through stories of businesses that flourished with friendships and others that fractured under the weight of blurred boundaries, Cindi explores the key questions you should ask before bringing a friend onto your payroll. Along the way, she unpacks how to spot red flags, set the right expectations for managing a friend, and to know whether the friendship is strong enough to handle work pressures.  You’ll learn why friendship can be a competitive advantage, why conflict is often harder to navigate when it’s personal, and how to make thoughtful choices to protect the business and the underlying relationship. Whether you’re tempted to bring a friend onto your team or already managing one, this episode offers practical insights to help you make the right call. Episode Highlights: Why hiring friends sometimes leads to loyalty, trust, and great teamwork Common pitfalls—like blurred boundaries, favoritism, and unspoken expectations How to tell whether the friendship is ready for the pressures of work Strategies for setting clear agreements and roles up front Ways to protect the friendship even if the job doesn’t work out 🎥 Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Kzc2kM94vNc 📚 Purchase your copy of The Uncertainty Playbook here 🗞️ Sign up for our newsletter and let us know what topic you’d like to hear next!   Join Our Community & Follow Us:  - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram -Tik Tok -Facebook - Website

Most people don’t think of themselves as negotiators, but the truth is that we negotiate all the time. Whether you’re navigating salary talks, agreeing on deadlines with your team, or trying to convince a toddler to leave Target without a meltdown, the tools of bargaining and negotiation are at work. In this episode, Cindi Baldi talks with negotiation expert Jen Burris about mistakes people make when bargaining and how to prevent them. Through stories of salary negotiations, car deals, and high-stakes bargaining, they explore what it means to negotiate with confidence and purpose. Along the way, they unpack why negotiation can feel especially uncomfortable for women and how better preparation and mindset changes can fuel success. You’ll learn why doing your homework matters, how to avoid common traps like overreaching or settling too fast, and why sometimes the best deal is walking away. Whether you’re looking to boost your existing bargaining skills or in need of a negotiation refresh, this episode can help you approach your next deal with more confidence, better preparation, and less fear. Episode Highlights: Why negotiation is a skill everyone needs What thoughtful preparation looks like When vulnerability can sometimes strengthen your position How identity and experience influence negotiation behavior What to watch out for when a negotiation is underway Why no deal is sometimes the best deal About Jen Burris: Dr. Jen Burris is the Department Head and Associate Professor at Southeastern Louisiana University. She specializes in teaching courses on negotiations and leadership development. Jen holds a PhD in management from Louisiana State University. Her dissertation was titled Reevaluating the “magic spell:” Examining empowerment, stress, and workplace outcomes.   🎥 Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XmD9vvAcQMc 📚 Purchase your copy of The Uncertainty Playbook here 🗞️ Sign up for our newsletter and let us know what topic you’d like to hear next!   Want to Go Deeper? Check Out Our Recommended Reading: Brady, G. L., Inesi, M. E.., & Mussweiler, T. (2021). The Power of Lost Alternatives in Negotiations. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes. Fisher, R., Ury, W., & Patton, B. (1991). Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.   Join Our Community & Follow Us:  - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram -Tik Tok -Facebook - Website  

Most customers are great, but it only takes a few bad ones to wear you down. In little time, these difficult interactions can color your perspective, leaving even the most dedicated managers feeling drained, avoidant, or even resentful. This week on the podcast, Cindi Baldi explores how bad customers and clients can wear people down , why it’s more common than we admit, and how we can keep our sanity even in the face of difficult interactions. In this episode, Cindi reveals how negativity bias and identity protection can cause managers to lose sight of the vast majority of customers who are actually wonderful. She offers practical strategies to reframe hard moments, reset individual and team energy, and protect your people. If you’ve ever dealt with a difficult customer and wondered how they got into your head, this podcast is for you.   Episode Highlights: Why managers sometimes grow to dislike their customers What your energy might be saying about you  A simple reframe that can shift how you handle tough customers  Dealing with difficult customers The mindset and message your team needs to stay sane   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k3QMLqP5jVs   Purchase your copy of The Uncertainty Playbook here   Join Our Community & Follow Us:  - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram

Great managers listen as much—or more than—they talk. In this episode, Cindi Baldi is joined by Darrin Griffin, a communication and listening expert and faculty member at the University of Alabama. Darrin shares why listening is one of the most overlooked yet powerful leadership skills and how leaders at every level can use it to build trust and improve decision-making. Cindi and Darrin unpack the common traps leaders fall into when they confuse authority with insight, and talk about why curiosity and humility are essential management skills. They also share practical strategies for asking better questions, engaging more deeply with your team, and recognizing the costs of not listening. If you’ve ever wondered how to expand your influence and impact as a leader, this episode will show you why better listening is a key to building stronger teams and improving your results. Episode Highlights: Why listening is an essential management skill The difference between hearing and listening What happens when leaders stop listening How curiosity and humility can strengthen leadership Practical ways to improve your listening The costs of ignoring feedback    Dr. Darrin Griffin is an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama. An expert on communication and group performance, with an emphasis on non-verbal communication, he has authored several books and scholarly articles in the field of communication. Darrin holds a PhD in communication from SUNY Buffalo and an MA from the University of Texas at Austin. Listen to another Management Muse episode with Darrin Griffin on Non-verbal Communication: https://bit.ly/3HrWSvO   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uiSUo5ZVBqo   Join Our Community & Follow Us: - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram    

Trusty old habits that are no longer working are one of the hardest things to change. In this episode, Cindi Baldi and Geoff Tumlin explore why it’s so difficult to let go of ingrained behaviors, especially when they’re tied to our identity. From hard-charging leaders learning to slow down to founders blinded by past wins, Cindi and Geoff share the subtle but vital signals that it’s time to change. Cindi and Geoff explain why success often makes change much harder, and they share practical ways to try new approaches before old habits derail progress. If you’re concerned that you might have ingrained behaviors that are no longer working like they used to, this episode will help you think through how to adapt to your new circumstances and alter your habits for greater success today.   Episode Highlights: Why ingrained behaviors can become big roadblocks How success makes changing habits harder Signs your go-to approach is no longer working The role of identity in resisting change Why smart people sometimes don’t adapt Simple ways to experiment with new behaviors Thinking about behavior change differently    Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LpDN0vHODDo   Join Our Community & Follow Us: - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram

Most leaders know they need to motivate their teams but creating genuine urgency is tricky because too much burns people out and too little does nothing. In this episode, Cindi Baldi and Geoff Tumlin explore why urgency can be a powerful catalyst for performance or a recipe for trouble when it’s overdone. Cindi and Geoff break down how to recognize when urgency is lacking, what happens when there’s too much, and the leadership behaviors that help teams focus without depleting their energy reserves. From cranking up urgency without burning people out to getting everyone aligned on priorities, this episode shares a fresh take on getting things done. Whether you’re trying to hit a critical deadline or rally your team around a new initiative, you’ll learn how to inspire action at the right pace for enduring results.   Episode Highlights: The difference between urgency and constant pressure How to diagnose when urgency needs to be cranked out  Why overusing urgency leads to burnout and disengagement Leadership strategies for creating the right level of momentum Balancing speed with sustainability Making sure that urgency drives results, not chaos   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YHAaI3_KqSU   Join Our Community & Follow Us: - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram

Arguing gets a bad reputation at work, but not arguing is even worse. In this episode, Cindi Baldi and Geoff Tumlin unpack why arguing—which can be productive—isn’t the problem, fighting—which is never productive and is sometimes harmful—is. From boardrooms to break rooms, learning to disagree without derailing a conversation is one of the most valuable and underrated leadership skills. Cindi and Geoff explore the surprising science behind healthy disagreement, they talk about why groups that avoid conflict underperform, and they describe how to build teams that can handle tough conversations without damaging relationships. Whether you're leading a team or just navigating the politics of office life, this episode will teach you how to argue productively and keep conversations on track even when the discussion gets uncomfortable.   Episode Highlights: Why arguing isn’t a problem The difference between arguing and fighting How psychological safety supports healthy disagreement Why high-performing teams don’t avoid conflict Tools for keeping difficult conversations constructive What to do when emotions start to take over How to test solutions, remedies, and experiments without raising the stakes   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QZQVeHeCfdY   Join Our Community & Follow Us: - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram

What happens when trust starts to slip inside an organization? In this episode, Cindi Baldi and Geoff Tumlin unpack the powerful signals that shape how people feel about fairness at work and why perceived injustice can quietly undermine morale, loyalty, and performance. They examine how a lack of clarity around decisions and communication often leaves teams feeling unsettled, even when leaders have good intentions. Cindi and Geoff also explore what managers can do to strengthen organizational trust, create transparency without over explaining, and respond to tough moments in ways that preserve connection and culture. Tune into this episode for practical strategies on leading with clarity, strengthening team morale, and building lasting trust.   Episode Highlights: How fairness shapes trust  The cost of confusion and ambiguity How leaders handle disappointment without damaging morale Ways to deliver bad news while preserving trust and transparency The hidden signals that shape how people interpret fairness at work How consistent communication helps teams feel more secure and valued   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AqbKdwXgYz4   Join Our Community & Follow Us: - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram

Why do organizational change efforts so often fail despite good intentions and careful planning? In this episode, Cindi Baldi and Geoff Tumlin explore the real reasons why change efforts often stall or backfire. They explore why timing really matters, how energy and momentum often get overlooked, and what it takes to avoid the death-spiral of sustained change resistance. From getting early traction to building a critical mass, Cindi and Geoff offer a fresh perspective on how to lead organizational change that lasts. Whether you’re launching a new initiative or trying to shift long-standing patterns of behavior, this episode will help your organizational change efforts succeed more often.   Episode Highlights: Why change feels so painful at the start How to structure change to build early momentum What organizations get wrong about timelines and capacity How to use experimentation to reduce risk The role of influential team members in successful rollouts Why managing expectations is critical for long-term success   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7EC_9zhc2Xk   Join Our Community & Follow Us: - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram

Why do some companies keep their people forever, while others struggle with constant turnover? In this episode, Cindi Baldi and Geoff Tumlin explore the qualities that make organizations “sticky,” that is, the kind of workplaces where people feel invested, energized, and committed for the long haul. Cindi and Geoff discuss what makes a culture magnetic, from strong identity and a clear purpose to how leaders create connection, opportunity, and growth. This conversation challenges the common belief that perks and pay mostly keep people around, and instead focuses on what other drivers of long-term loyalty. If you’re trying to build a company people never want to quit, this episode will help you understand what makes for sticky organizations.   Episode Highlights: How sticky organizations retain top talent Why purpose and identity drive employee loyalty Leadership behaviors that increase long-term commitment How to design a culture people like Why clarity and connection matter more than perks What organizations get wrong about retention   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cBypjFDxswA   Join Our Community & Follow Us: - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram

How can the principles of improvisational comedy help you become a more effective manager? In this episode, Cindi Baldi is joined by keynote speaker and improv humorist Joel Zeff to explore how spontaneity, presence, and play fuel better leadership and teams. Joel explains how improv principles like saying “yes, and” can create more open, collaborative workplace cultures. He explores the role of fun in building trust and engagement and offers a fresh take on what it means to lead with intention. In addition, Joel shares insights from his book Make the Right Choice, where he emphasizes how everyday decisions shape how we lead, communicate, and inspire those around us. Whether you're looking to bring more energy to your team or find a new gear personally, this episode will help you lead with more confidence, connection, and purpose.   Want a free chapter of Joel’s book, Make the Right Choice? Sign up for his emails here, then reply to the welcome email and mention you heard him on the Management Muse podcast. He’ll send you a chapter for free.   Episode Highlights: How improv tools can build stronger team dynamics Why fun isn’t frivolous when it comes to performance and morale What comedians can teach managers The connection between trust, risk-taking, and innovation How to lead with presence, positivity, and purpose Small choices leaders make to create a more connected workplace   Guest Bio: Joel Zeff is a keynote speaker, work culture expert, and improvisational humorist who helps teams and leaders bring more energy, creativity, and connection to their work. With over 25 years of experience and 2,500 events under his belt, Joel has worked with companies like Wells Fargo, Samsung, and KPMG to create more collaborative and people-centered cultures. Joel is the author of Make the Right Choice, a book that explores how everyday decisions impact our performance, build trust, and shape our leadership. Through sharp insights and good humor, Joel reminds us that great leadership often starts with small choices, a little fun, and a willingness to say “yes, and.” LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/ Website: https://www.joelzeff.com/   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tLoVm7ulm8Y   Join Our Community & Follow Us: - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram

HR departments are often misunderstood, underestimated, or ignored, but great HR can accelerate company growth. In this episode, Cindi Baldi sits down with HR expert Greg Waechter to explore the critical role HR should play in helping companies scale, support their people, and build better workplaces. Cindi and Greg talk about the reasons HR often gets a bad rap and explore what effective HR looks like. Greg explains how HR can become more strategic and less bureaucratic, and why it’s essential to align HR with the pace and goals of the business. The conversation explains how companies can avoid common mistakes and build HR systems that support managers and employees. Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, or navigating your own career, this episode will change the way you see the role of HR in your business.   Episode Highlights: Why traditional HR models often fail in fast-growing companies The most common HR mistakes companies make How to build scalable HR systems that support performance Why early-stage startups need HR earlier than they think How effective HR drives retention, culture, and employee engagement The difference between tactical HR support and long-term HR strategy What to look for in your first or next HR hire   Guest Bio: Greg Waechter is a seasoned HR leader and founder of Super Simple HR. With a proven track record of scaling fast-growing companies, Greg helps startups build strategic, people-first HR systems that boost performance, culture, and retention. Known for cutting through corporate jargon, he delivers straightforward, actionable HR solutions that make work better for employees and easier for leaders. From scrappy startups to IPO-bound enterprises, Greg’s expertise turns complex people challenges into simple, effective strategies that drive real business growth.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwaechter Super Simple HR: https://supersimplehr.com/about-us   Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lZIQRkRkinU   Join Our Community & Follow Us: - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram  

How you respond to work stress can make or break you as a manager. In this episode, Cindi Baldi and Geoff Tumlin explore what it takes to lead effectively when the stakes are high. They explain why pressure changes how we think, communicate, and behave and how self-awareness and preparation can help you avoid costly missteps. Cindi and Geoff unpack the science of stress, discuss why experience doesn’t always protect you from its effects, and explain how to train your brain to focus when things get tough. They share practical strategies for handling stress, supporting your team through challenging moments, and making better decisions when time and emotions are working against you. Listen in to learn how to lead effectively when the pressure is on.   Episode Highlights: Why stress changes how we think and act How to prepare for high-stakes moments at work Common mistakes leaders make under pressure Strategies to avoid reactive decisions The science behind staying cool in tough situations How to help your team perform under stress   Watch this episode on You Tube: https://youtu.be/T1_SRu2mxmw   Join Our Community & Follow Us: - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram

Effective leadership isn’t about following a formula, in spite of dozens of books endorsing one style over another. In this episode of Management Muse, Cindi Baldi and Geoff Tumlin challenge the myths around leadership styles and explain why the most impactful leaders prioritize results, adapt to the situation, and deeply understand their people. Geoff and Cindi explore why popular frameworks oversimplify what leadership really requires and how adhering to a leadership style can narrow your ability to manage effectively. Cindi and Geoff share what the science tells us about leadership  that gets results and why self-awareness, flexibility, and follow-through matter more than one style over another. Whether you're managing a team or preparing to take on more responsibility, this conversation will help you lead with more clarity, confidence, and substance.   Episode Highlights: Why leadership style conversations often miss the mark What truly effective leaders focus on their work How to avoid getting trapped in a leadership persona or style Why leadership is more about meeting the moment than your default style How self-awareness and adaptability improve leadership outcomes What the research says about what really works in leadership   Watch this episode on You Tube: https://youtu.be/4lyMbAtXxQ8   Join Our Community & Follow Us: - Youtube Channel  - LinkedIn - Instagram