At some point in your career, you’ve probably worked with someone who is on the autism spectrum, but you might not have known. There are many misconceptions about autism, which damage how we understand and therefore support these colleagues. Viewing autism through a new lens can help every manager unlock hidden potential and design environments where everyone thrives.
Today’s guest brings both personal experience and professional insight to help us all better appreciate the talents of neurodiverse team members.
Clain Udy is reshaping the way society views autism by shifting our perspectives from deficit-focused to one that sees autism through a strengths-based lens. As the father of a high-functioning autistic adult son, Clain has spent over two decades researching and investigating what it takes to help his son and other autistic individuals have successful, fulfilling careers.
Clain’s new book, Rebranding Autism: A Guide to Seeing Strength on the Spectrum, details his journey from initially thinking he had to “fix” his autistic son to wholeheartedly embracing his son’s beautifully unique strengths.
In this episode, we explore how autism shows up in the workplace, what managers often misunderstand about communication and performance, and practical ways to create environments where neurodiverse employees can do their best work.
In the extended conversation, Clain shares how managers can better understand social communication preferences, why “chasing normal” harms both managers and employees, and how reframing autism as a different but equally valid way of processing the world changes everything about inclusion.
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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
Keep up with Clain Udy
- Check out his website: https://autismelevated.com/
- Follow Clain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clainudy/
- Follow Clain on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Autism-Elevated/61559009841770/
- Follow Clain on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismelevated/
Guest Bonus: 10 Book Giveaway: Rebranding Autism: A Guide to Seeing Strength on the Spectrum
This insightful book is both a memoir and a practical guide that aims to dismantle the current assumptions and mindset around autism and empower parents, educators, and employers to recognize and nurture the inherent abilities of autistic individuals.
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.
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#Neurodiversity #AutismAwareness #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceInclusion #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerTips #FutureOfWork #TeamManagement #PsychologicalSafety #HumanCenteredLeadership #TheModernManager
#AutismAtWork #Neurodiversity #InclusiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerTips #WorkCulture #Inclusion #WorkplaceInclusion #Leadership #Management #TeamLeadership #FutureOfWork #PeopleManagement #AutismAwareness
Most people don’t set out to be “bad bosses.” But good intentions aren’t enough when your habits unintentionally create frustration, fear, or disengagement.
Thankfully, today’s guest helps us see what’s really happening beneath the surface.
Mita Mallick is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling author. She’s on a mission to fix what's broken in our workplaces. She’s a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses and has had an extensive career as a marketing and human resources executive.
In this episode, we explore what makes a bad boss (and how to avoid becoming one). Mita reveals common behaviors that erode trust, how to give feedback that empowers instead of intimidates, and why inclusive leadership is the foundation of a healthy culture. You’ll learn small, everyday actions that rebuild connection, create safety, and turn self-awareness into your most powerful leadership tool.
In the extended members-only conversation, Mita opens up about the “Nap Boss,” “Tony Soprano,” and “Sheriff” archetypes—real examples of toxic leadership behaviors that managers can learn from. She also shares practical ways to respond to bullying or bias at work, including how to use the “Five Ds” framework to intervene and support colleagues safely and effectively.
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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: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cw9_72_BLtfr5vsjDbb-U2Nb5KuX56A5Jo6TSGmOaWc/edit?usp=sharing
✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/
✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/
✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle
✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1
✨Learn more about the 5Ds in episode 109 with Emily May: https://www.themodernmanager.com/podcast-109
Keep up with Mita Mallick
- Follow Mita on LinkedIn here
- Check out her book here
Guest Bonus: 10% off Book Consulting Services
If you’ve wanted to write a book, this is for you. Get hourly book consulting services from idea generation all the way to marketing your book and selling it to your audience. Priced at $750/hr, members of Podcast+ get a 10% discount.
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
---------------------
The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.
Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!
#Leadership #Management #WorkCulture #ToxicWorkplace #BadBoss #GoodManager #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamLeadership #ManagerTips #WorkplaceCulture #SelfAwareness #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleManagement #ProfessionalGrowth #ManagerAdvice #LeadershipPodcast
Layoffs are some of the hardest moments a manager can face. How you handle them can shape not just the experience of the employees leaving but also the morale and trust of the team that remains.
Today’s guest brings expert guidance on navigating these challenges with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.
Leanne Elliot is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, Consultant, and Coach with a proven track record of building workplaces that empower teams and enable performance. She is also co-host of the award-winning psychology podcast, Truth, Lies & Work. Breaking into the prestigious HubSpot Podcast Network in 2022. The show is dedicated to helping business leaders simplify the science of the workplace.
In this episode, Leanne explains how managers can approach layoffs thoughtfully, manage confidentiality effectively, communicate clearly, and care for both departing employees and the remaining team. She shares practical frameworks to make these tough conversations more human and less stressful.
In the extended members-only conversation, Leanne dives deeper into strategies for managers who are themselves being laid off and how to prepare for career transitions while maintaining professional composure.
Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
Join the conversation now!
Conversation Topics
📚 Additional Resources:
- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
- Read the full transcript 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 Leanne Elliot
- Follow Leanne on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/
- Follow on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork/
- Learn more on her website here: https://truthliesandwork.com/
- Explore Oblong HQ here: https://oblonghq.com/
Guest Bonus: 1 FREE Career Transition Coaching Program
This free three-session coaching program helps you navigate career transitions with psychology-based tools and practical support. You’ll reflect on past experiences, clarify your values, and set clear goals for your future work.
Learn more about the program here.
Enter the drawing by November 7, 2025.
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!
#Leadership #Management #Layoffs #EmployeeExperience #WorkplaceCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #ManagerTips #CareerTransitions #TeamManagement #ProfessionalGrowth
Why do so many projects spiral into stress, shifting priorities, and endless risks while others seem to flow smoothly toward success? What if the difference isn’t just about tools or methods, but about how you lead?
Thankfully, today’s guest brings a fresh, human-centered approach to project management.
James Louttit is the author of Leading Impactful Teams: Achieving Low Stress Success in Project Management, a leadership coach, and a former CIO who now trains managers and business leaders around the world. His work blends real-world experience with practical tools to help managers lead projects with clarity, sustainability, and impact.
In this episode, James introduces his “eight lenses of project management” and reveals why prioritization is often the missing key to project success. He shares powerful ways to engage stakeholders, identify and manage risks, and avoid common mistakes in estimating time and effort.
Along the way, James offers stories and frameworks that any manager, whether formally a project manager or not, can use to keep work on track and teams energized.
In the extended members-only conversation, James explains how to properly scope your projects and define quality, two notoriously tricky areas that can make or break your results.
Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
Join the conversation now!
Conversation Topics
Additional Resources:
- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
- Read the full transcript 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 James Louttit
- Follow James on LinkedIn here
- Subscribe to his YouTube channel here
- Join the IPM Community with a free 7-day trial here
Guest Bonus: Free Audio Book: Leading Impactful Teams and 3 FREE 1-Year Membership to IMP Community
Leading Impactful Teams is a lively exploration of the "lenses" of project management – Scope, Prioritisation, Time, Cost, Quality, Risks, Team and Stakeholders – that will enable the reader to develop a "sixth sense" for potential issues that could derail their project. It provides a practical toolkit to help you and your team deliver great project outcomes with minimum stress and maximum fun.
The IPM Community helps you deliver projects on time, on budget, and without burnout through bite-sized lessons, tactical tools and weekly peer support. Created by James Louttit, author of Leading Impactful Teams, it’s a no-jargon, no-exam space where professionals learn fast, share real challenges, and lead with confidence.
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!
#ProjectManagement #Leadership #TeamManagement #TeamSuccess #ProjectPlanning #AgileLeadership #RiskManagement #ProjectManagementTips #LeadershipSkills #TeamPerformance
What if your greatest strengths aren’t the ones listed on your résumé, but universal traits we all share?
Positive psychology shows us that tapping into these character strengths can transform how we work, lead, and connect with others.
These aren’t just feel-good ideas; they’re proven tools for resilience, performance, and deeper human connection.
Fortunately, this week’s guest brings exactly the expertise we need to show how these character strengths can transform our work and leadership.
Natalya Pestalozzi is a professional certified coach through the International Coaching Federation and a positive psychology expert with a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology. She trains practitioners worldwide through the Flourishing Center’s Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology program and coaches leaders in private equity, nonprofits, think tanks, and the federal government. Through her own journey in motherhood, she has a special passion for coaching parents before, during, and after pregnancy.
In this episode, Natalya shares how positive psychology goes beyond “toxic positivity” and equips us with the tools to flourish. She introduces the 24 VIA character strengths, explains how to spot and balance them in yourself and your team, and shows why cultivating these universal traits builds stronger trust, collaboration, and authentic leadership.
In the extended episode, Natalya reveals what to do when someone says they don’t want to change because they see it as inauthentic, and she shares the five character strengths most correlated with happiness and life satisfaction.
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 Natalya Pestalozzi:
- Connect with Natalya on LinkedIn here
- Take the VIA strengths character assessment
- To discover more or enroll in CAPP, check out:
https://theflourishingcenter.com/natalya/ The program begins October 21st.
- Learn more www.natalyapestalozzi.com
Guest Bonus: Masterclass in Positive Psychology and the Science of Flourishing Recording and Finding the Golden Mean PDF
The 60‑minute webinar recording explores the cutting‑edge science behind human flourishing—then translates it into simple, practical actions you can start using the same day. Through research‑backed insights and interactive micro‑exercises, you’ll discover how tiny shifts in mindset and behavior can ignite big gains in vitality, connection, and purpose.
What You’ll Learn: Flourishing vs. Languishing: Spot where you (and those you serve) sit on the Mental Health Continuum—and how to move upward.
Pathways to Peak Well‑Being: The six evidence‑based drivers of positivity, engagement, achievement, meaning, relationships, and vitality.
Why Happiness Fuels Success: Break the myth that you must succeed first to be happy—see how positive emotions actually power performance.
Taming the Negativity Bias: Simple brain‑based hacks to counter worry, rumination, and “what‑ifs.”
Micro‑Interventions That Stick: Gratitude, savoring, kindness, and other two‑minute practices that measurably lift mood and resilience.
Prioritizing Positivity: Craft days that naturally generate more joy—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
The Golden Mean is using character strengths in a balanced way (optimal use). It is when you apply the right combination of character strengths, to the right degree, in the right situation. This PDF shows the underuse, overuse, and optimal use of character strengths
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!
#PositivePsychology #CharacterStrengths #Leadership #WorkplaceSuccess #TeamCulture #FlourishAtWork
Why do so many managers struggle to let go of tasks, even when they know that holding onto everything stifles their ability to scale?
The secret is to document things so clearly that others can succeed without you.
Fortunately, today’s guest is an expert at helping leaders let go.
Chris Ronzio is the Founder and CEO of Trainual, a platform reshaping how businesses onboard, train, and scale their teams. A lifelong entrepreneur, he helps leaders unlock growth by mastering the art of documenting and delegating. Chris is also the bestselling author of The Business Playbook: How to Document and Delegate What You Do So Your Company Can Grow Beyond You. Beyond work, he’s a husband, father, and passionate Phoenix Suns fan.
In this episode, Chris shares frameworks and strategies to help managers create clarity, engage their teams in documentation, and free themselves up to focus on what matters most.
In the extended conversation, Chris explores how to turn documentation into a team sport, cascade delegation across levels, and troubleshoot when processes aren’t followed—revealing practical ways to finally stop doing it all yourself.
Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
Join the conversation now!
Conversation Topics
Additional Resources:
- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
- Read the full transcript 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 Chris Ronzio
- Follow Chris on LinkedIn here
- Follow Trainual on Instagram here
- Learn more on his Website here
- Explore Trainual's platform here
Guest Bonus: FREE PDF: The 4 Ps: What to Document
While not an exhaustive list, this extensive 4-page PDF will give you
a good starting point when deciding what policies you need to document first.
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!
Groups are the foundation of everything we accomplish in work and life.
Yet, as every manager knows, collaborating with others can be both the greatest strength and one of the hardest challenges.
What makes some teams thrive while others struggle with friction and disengagement?
Fortunately, this week’s guest, Dr. Colin Fisher, has dedicated his career to uncovering the hidden processes that make groups effective.
Colin is an associate professor of organizations and innovation at University College London’s School of Management, a researcher featured in outlets like Harvard Business Review and BBC, and the author of The Collective Edge. His work sheds light on how managers can structure and guide their teams to harness the true power of collaboration.
In this episode, Colin explores the dynamics that shape effective teamwork, from setting clear goals to designing the right team structure, establishing norms, and fostering psychological safety.
Whether you’re leading a small project team or a large organization, you’ll gain practical insights on how to unlock your group’s collective potential.
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 Colin Fisher
- Follow Colin on X (Twitter) here
- Connect with Colin on LinkedIn here
- Follow Colin on Instagram here
- Visit Colin’s website here
- Check out his book The Collective Edge here
Bonus: Meeting Makeover guidebook
In lieu of a guest offer this week, I’m offering members of Podcast+ access to my brand-new Meeting Makeover guidebook. It’s a step-by-step workbook that empowers you to finally fix your bad meetings once and for all.
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!
What if your greatest strength as a leader isn’t your expertise but your ability to lead people who are completely different from you?
In today’s diverse workplaces, managers can’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding how to adapt your leadership to different personalities, backgrounds, and working styles is key to building high-performing teams because, let’s be honest, everyone is different from you.
Thankfully, today’s guest brings decades of wisdom on how to do it well, sharing practical strategies for inclusive, effective leadership.
Stephanie Chung is an international bestselling author, strategic innovator, and expert in human capital management with more than 30 years of experience turning challenges into opportunities.
She shares why understanding privilege isn’t about guilt but about using what you have to serve others, and how her ALLY framework (Ask, Listen, Learn, and Act Yourself) helps leaders embrace curiosity, build stronger relationships, and unlock the power of truly diverse teams.
✨In the extended episode for members, Stephanie goes deeper into the EARN approach and how to create engaged, high-performing, diverse teams.
Become a member of Podcast Plus for extended episodes, guest bonuses, and more at themodernmanager.com/more
Conversation Topics
Additional Resources
✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/
✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/
✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle
✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=
✨Read the transcript here
Keep Up With Stephanie Chung
- Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn here
- Follow her on Instagram here
- Like her on Facebook here
- Follow her on TikTok here
- Learn more on her Website here
- Watch her speaker reel on YouTube Shorts:@thestephaniechung
- Subscribe to her Newsletter here
Guest Bonus: 3 Book Giveaway: Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You.
Stephanie is giving away three copies of her book Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You. This book is not just about traditional leadership; it's about revolutionizing leadership practices to be more effective in a rapidly changing corporate world. This issue transcends categories of race, gender, sexual orientation, different abilities, and age - it's a universal concern that affects everyone.
👉To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community: https://themodernmanager.com/more
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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!
Most workplaces are designed with extroverts in mind, with open offices, constant collaboration, and fast-paced discussions. But this often leaves introverts struggling to fully contribute, even though their insights can be some of the most valuable.
Thankfully, today’s guest, Salvatore Manzi, brings clarity and solutions.
Salvatore is a leadership communications coach and the author of Clear and Compelling. With over 20 years of experience helping leaders amplify their influence, he specializes in equipping teams to communicate more effectively and harness the strengths of both introverts and extroverts.
In this episode, Salvatore shares how to design team practices that give introverts the space they need to thrive, including meeting structures, pre-work, and ways to balance workplace energy. You’ll also learn how to recognize and encourage quiet leadership, so managers of all styles can succeed.
In the extended conversation, Salvatore explores how to “break the seal” to engage introverts early, why metaphors can be a powerful communication tool, and additional strategies for fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.
✨Get FREE episode mini-guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
👉http://www.themodernmanager.com/miniguides
Listen to the conversation now!
Conversation Topics
📚 Additional Resources:
✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/
✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/
✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle
✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1
✨Read the transcript here
✨Check out Susan’ Cain’s book on introverts Quiet here
Keep up with Salvatore Manzi
- Connect with Salvatore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatorejmanzi/
- Get his book: https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/ccpb/
Guest bonus: 3 Free Consultations
Salvatore is giving away a free consultation to 3 members of Podcast+. This complimentary 75-minute virtual consultation (plus a 30-minute follow-up) is designed to help leaders address a real team challenge, whether it’s navigating feedback, introducing change, preparing a high-stakes presentation, or planning an off-site.
👉 To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community: https://themodernmanager.com/more
---------------------
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.
What if the most important management skill you need today isn’t a tool or strategy? But the ability to read and respond to the people around you?
In a world shaped by AI and constant disruption, emotional intelligence has become the competitive edge for leaders and managers.
Thankfully, today’s guest brings practical and research-backed ways to build that edge.
Jamelle Lindo is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence specialist who has helped thousands of leaders increase their effectiveness through a proven emotional empowerment process.
In this episode, Jamelle explains what emotional intelligence really is, why it matters more than ever, and which EQ skills (empathy, assertiveness, self-awareness, and stress tolerance) drive results in leadership. He shares concrete tools, from structuring feedback so it lands to using simple reflection practices that build self-awareness, to help you lead with clarity and confidence.
In the extended members-only conversation, Jamelle goes deeper into building self-awareness, using the emotion wheel, balancing empathy and assertiveness, and embedding EQ skills into daily leadership practices.
✨ Podcast Plus members get access to an extended conversation with Jamelle, guest bonuses, and more. Become a member at themodernmanager.com/more and get free mini-episode guides delivered to your inbox each week.
Join the conversation now!
Conversation Topics (Subscribers)
Additional Resources
✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/
✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/
✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle
✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=
✨Read the transcript here
Keep up with Jamelle
- Follow Jamelle on LinkedIn here
- learn more on his Website here
- Watch his speaker reel on Vimeo here
Guest bonus: 10% off All Services
1. Emotional Intelligence Assessments & Debriefs
We use scientifically validated EQ assessment reports (such as the EQ-i 2.0®) to identify individual or team emotional intelligence strengths and gaps. The debrief process (60-90 minute virtual debrief session) translates the results of the EQ report into practical, real-world insights and action steps for improved leadership and workplace effectiveness.
2. Executive & Leadership Coaching
Our one-on-one coaching supports leaders in building emotional intelligence skills that drive influence, decision-making, and resilience. Each engagement is customized using our Emotional Empowerment Process™ to ensure measurable behavior change.
4. Keynote Speaking & Thought Leadership
I deliver inspiring, science-based keynotes on emotional intelligence, emotional empowerment, and leadership in the age of AI. Each session is designed to spark awareness and motivate audiences to unlock their full potential.
5. Workshops & Training Programs
Our experiential workshops help participants develop practical EQ skills in areas such as self-awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution. Programs are designed for all organizational levels and are fully customizable to strategic priorities.
👉 To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community: https://themodernmanager.com/more
---------------------
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 understanding how your brain actually works was the key to unlocking higher performance, better decisions, and more resilient leadership?
Many leaders focus on strategies and skills without realizing that lasting change starts by rewiring how we think.
Fortunately, this week’s guest brings decades of experience helping leaders do just that.
Larry Olsen is an expert in performance-driven neurology, a best-selling author, and the founder of Aperneo. He works with organizations to harness the power of neuroscience to shift mindsets, break through limiting beliefs, and create sustainable high performance.
In this episode, Larry explains the crucial difference between the brain and the mind, why predictability can actually work against leadership growth, and how to identify and replace the beliefs that hold you back. You’ll learn about neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to change—and how to apply practical “brain hacks” to transform your thinking and your results.
In the extended episode, Larry dives deeper into applying these insights in everyday leadership, including how to coach teams through change and build a culture of mindset mastery.
Podcast Plus members get access to the extended episode, guest bonuses, and more. Become a member at themodernmanager.com/more and get free mini-episode guides delivered to your inbox each week.
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 Larry Olsen.
- Connect with him on LinkedIn here.
- Visit his website for more here.
- Listen to his podcast & watch videos here.
- Get his book: Get a Vision and Live It here.
Guest Bonus: 20% off coaching with Larry.
In these sessions, Larry will help you lead with values, shift your mindset, and create lasting success. You’ll gain tools to eliminate doubt, enhance happiness, parent effectively, and achieve more with ease and clarity.
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!
Do you wait for the perfect moment to speak up, only to have the conversation move on without you?
What if the secret to becoming a confident, impactful communicator wasn’t planning every word, but learning to improvise?
This week’s guest reveals how improvisation isn’t just for the stage, but a powerful, everyday skill that can transform how you connect, influence, and lead.
Today’s guest is Jeff Mondoro. Jeff is an improviser, learning designer, executive coach, and a dad. He started his career in finance but discovered the world of improv in his mid-twenties and never looked back.
In this episode, Jeff explains why improv isn’t about being funny, but it’s about building on others’ ideas, listening deeply, and embracing uncertainty.
You’ll learn how micro-experiments in your meetings can create more space for collaboration, and how clarifying language early prevents misalignment.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Jeff and I discuss why adopting a growth mindset is essential for success, how to encourage team members to share unpolished ideas, and why humor works best when it’s co-created.
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 Jeff’s book recommendation Improvisation for the Theater here
Keep up with Jeff Mondoro
- Follow Riff Consulting on LinkedIn
- Visit Riff Consulting for more information here
Free 1-hour Workshop: Intro to Improv with Riff Consulting
In this one-hour class, we'll explore some of the fundamental tenets of improvisation: presence, active listening with 'yes, and', and the ability to quickly pivot and build with your scene partners. The virtual course will be highly experiential and involve a series of paired and small-group exercises. We'll also debrief and discuss how you might apply each principle in your work as a manager.
The workshop will be held on Thursday, September 25th at 11am Eastern (8am Pacific, 4pm British time)
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 biggest threat to your team’s creativity and performance isn’t the workload but outdated ideas of what “professionalism” should look like?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of performative professionalism: obsessing over sounding smart, dressing the part, and following invisible rules about how “real professionals” should behave. But all that effort often masks the very things that fuel creativity, innovation, and productivity.
Today’s guest is here to flip the script on professionalism and show you how to bring more fun into work without being labeled unprofessional.
Meet Bree Groff. Bree is the author of TODAY WAS FUN: A Book About Work (Seriously) and a transformation expert who’s advised leaders at Microsoft, Google, Pfizer, and more.
In this episode, Bree reveals the difference between functional and performative professionalism, shares simple rituals that create psychological safety, and explains why micro acts of fun at work (whether you’re on site or fully remote) are actually strategic for building team trust.
Plus, in the extended episode available exclusively to Podcast+ members, Bree shares practical tips on how to respond when someone calls you “unprofessional” and other small ways to infuse fun into the workday.
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 Bree Groff
- Follow Bree on LinkedIn and Instagram
- Grab a copy of her book, Today Was Fun, here
- Subscribe to Bree’s Substack here
FREE 1-A-Day Calendar
Bree is giving Podcast+ members a 1-A-Day Calendar for free. This playful calendar provides 30 days of prompts—a quote, a provocation, or a little something to try—to help you love your days.
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!
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!
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 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.
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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!
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!
