Leadership in Real Life - Raw Stories of Leading and Learning for the Everyday Manager

Work makes us weird — and I think that’s actually okay . Ever feel like your workplace brings out your inner chaos ? You're not alone, and surprisingly, it’s totally human. Drop a 💡 if you've ever overthought a simple Slack message or second-guessed your tone in an email. Most of us carry personal baggage into work — stressed, tired, overwhelmed — and it affects how we show up. Your emoti...

Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the common misconception among new managers that they are helping their teams by doing the work for them. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining clear roles and responsibilities, the dangers of enabling learned helplessness, and the need for leaders to empower their teams rather than rescue them. The discussion covers strategies for effective leadership, including...

In this conversation, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the significance of one-on-one meetings between managers and employees. She emphasizes the need for regular, structured meetings to build trust, provide feedback, and support employee development. Erika shares best practices for conducting effective one-on-ones, including setting a recurring schedule, documenting conversations, and balancing constr...

In this conversation, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the concept of reverse shadowing and its significance for leaders. She emphasizes the need for leaders to understand their team's day-to-day challenges and dynamics, advocating for a more engaged and empathetic leadership style. By spending time with team members and asking the right questions, leaders can build trust, improve communication, an...

In this conversation, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the critical role of accountability in leadership, using personal anecdotes and professional insights to illustrate how leaders must take ownership of their team's performance. She emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and standards, both in personal situations, like dog training, and in professional environments. The discussi...

In this episode, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the challenging process of terminating an employee, offering guidance on how to handle it professionally and empathetically. She emphasizes the importance of documentation, clear communication, and maintaining objectivity during the termination process. Terminating an employee is a challenging but necessary part of management. Documentation and feedback...

Join Erika Taylor-Beck as she welcomes Andrea Liebross, founder of Andrea Liebross Coaching, author, and host of the podcast, "She Thinks Big," to discuss the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Andrea emphasizes the significance of big thinking, embracing uncertainty, and taking massive action to achieve success. The conversation highlights the need for investment in personal development...

In this episode of Leadership in Real Life , host Erika Taylor-Beck sits down with career coach Chelsey Kramer for an honest and insightful conversation about burnout—what it looks like, why it happens, and how to move through it. Chelsey shares her personal journey from high-achieving professional to burned-out and disconnected, and how that led her to rediscover the power of authenticity and bou...

What do the most trusted and effective leaders have in common? They walk their talk. In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked but powerful leadership principle of leading by example —and why it's more important now than ever. You'll learn: What “leading by example” really means in today’s work culture Key areas where leaders must set the tone—accountability, communication, boundari...

In this conversation, Erika Taylor-Beck and Hillary Emer discuss the nuances of management and leadership, emphasizing the importance of feedback, understanding individual motivations, and the dynamics of one-on-one meetings. They explore the challenges new managers face, the significance of documentation, and the balance between employee development and business needs. The discussion also touches...

Most leaders are not good at delegating, but it's because they're not taught how to do it effectively. Even in our personal lives, we make assumptions and give vague instructions when asking others to take on new tasks. -- Learn why Erika hasn't eaten meatloaf in over 20 years. In this episode of Leadership in Real Life, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the critical role of delegation in ef...

In this conversation, Abby Mundell shares her journey as a fractional CMO and her passion for helping female entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of business. She discusses the importance of breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable parts, the value of networking, and the significance of understanding different personality types in leadership. Abby emphasizes the need for psychological s...

In this episode of Leadership in Real Life, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the intersection of AI and leadership, emphasizing the importance of balancing cost-cutting with a focus on people. She presents a framework for human-centered AI leadership, outlining steps for leaders to implement AI responsibly while maintaining employee engagement and trust. The conversation highlights the need for transpa...

In this episode of Leadership in Real Life , Erika Taylor-Beck interviews James Gorman on leadership challenges, toxic workplaces, generational shifts, emotional intelligence, and the vital role of personal growth in effective management. They discuss the impact of toxic work environments on leadership effectiveness and the necessity of providing feedback. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of...

Explore the emotional complexities of leadership in this episode of Leadership in Real Life . Erika Taylor-Beck talks with Jenny Bramble, VP at Zen Healthcare IT, about managing team dynamics, balancing empathy with authority, and debunking the myth of workplace family. Learn how to set healthy boundaries, lead with integrity, and find support in your leadership journey. Sound Bites "You can&...

In this episode of Leadership in Real Life, host Erika Taylor-Beck chats with Samantha Burmeister, founder of Nomad Copy Agency, about her evolution from sales roles in tech to entrepreneurship. Samantha shares powerful insights on navigating workplace conflict, the impact of leadership on team dynamics, and the cultural divide between sales and support roles. Discover how psychological safety, HR...

In this powerful episode of Leadership in Real Life , Erika Taylor-Beck explores the emotional labor leaders carry when navigating toxic workplace cultures. She unpacks the hidden cost of leading within dysfunctional systems, offering clarity on how to stop internalizing systemic issues and start realigning with your core values. Discover how to lead with authenticity, evaluate what’s truly being...

Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted? In this episode of Leadership in Real Life , Erika Taylor-Beck unpacks the signs of burnout, shares practical tips for stress management, and reminds leaders why boundaries and self-care are essential—not selfish. Erika offers practical micro tips for managing burnout, including setting boundaries and communicating needs effectively. Discover how to re...

In this episode, we dive into a powerful but often overlooked leadership skill: documentation. Whether you're managing a team, running a business, or navigating complex workplace dynamics, putting things in writing can protect your time, strengthen your communication, and build trust. We'll explore why effective leaders document decisions, feedback, and boundaries, and how this habit leads...

Struggling with decision-making as a leader? The pressure to have all the answers can be overwhelming, but great leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about navigating uncertainty with confidence. In this episode, Erika shares practical strategies to lead effectively even when you're unsure, how to balance vulnerability with authority, and why embracing uncertainty can make you a stro...

As a leader, your time is your most valuable asset. Are you managing it effectively? In this episode, we explore the time management strategies that top executives and high-performing leaders use to maximize productivity, make strategic decisions, and drive success. Key Takeaways for Leaders: ✅ How to prioritize high-impact tasks and eliminate distractions ✅ Time-blocking techniques used by top...

In this episode, we dive into the power of empathy in leadership and how it can transform your workplace culture. Learn how empathetic leaders build trust, improve communication, and foster a positive environment where employees feel valued and heard. Discover practical tips for incorporating empathy into your leadership style to boost employee engagement, resolve conflicts, and drive productivity...

Are you ready to transform your leadership impact? In this powerful 17-minute episode, we break down the science and art of executive presence - that elusive quality that separates good managers from truly influential leaders. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or leading a team, these practical techniques will help you command respect and make a lasting impression in any professiona...

Are you drowning in tasks as a leader? In this game-changing episode of Leadership in Real Life, we dive deep into effective delegation - the critical skill separating overwhelmed managers from strategic leaders. Discover proven delegation frameworks that transform your productivity while developing your team's capabilities. Learn how this practice correlates directly with career advancement a...

Coaching is a hot topic right now, but what are the benefits of hiring an external leadership coach? They provide confidentiality and psychological safety They offer an unbiased perspective They offer broader experience than someone from the same organization They can help you with your career trajectory, now and in the future They can offer objective guidance on integrating personal development a...